The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that Americans make approximately 500 million visits to their dentist each year. They also found that dental services in the United States cost approximately $110 billion in 2010. Besides dental health, other factors can influence oral health, such as nutrition, hygiene, and habits. of life. The good news, however, is that most oral health problems are preventable. Simple preventative measures can help ensure oral health. Water fluoridation, for example, is a cost-effective way to reduce the incidence of tooth decay among a community's residents. School programs can also help promote children's dental health by monitoring their oral hygiene and applying dental sealants to protect their teeth.