Protecting Your Smile in Winnebago, Nebraska
February 4, 2026
Dental Care For Native Americans
Native Americans in Nebraska face significant gaps in dental health compared to other races, including higher rates of tooth decay, tooth loss, and less access to preventitive dental care. According to data from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), American Indian /Alaska Native (AI/AN) children experience higher rates of tooth decay and more untreated decay than any other racial and ethinic groups in Nebraska.
Half of children (50%) aged 6 to 9 years have had cavities in their primary (baby) or permanent teeth. Children aged 6 to 9 from lower income households were more than twice as likely (25%) to have untreated cavities than children from higher income households (10%). 1 in 5 adults (21%) aged 20 to 64 years have at least one untreated cavity. These statistics highlight why oral health is so important, as untreated dental problems can lead to pain, infection, difficulty eating and speaking, and can even impact overall health.
Three Oral Health Habits to Take Seriously
When it comes to dental care, prevention is the name of the game. You are given one set of teeth meant to last your lifetime. While bones in your body can heal and rebuild with proper treatment and care, teeth cannot repair themselves once they are damaged. Because we rely on our teeth every day for eating, speaking, and smiling, it is especially important to care for them through good oral hygiene, healthy habits, and regular dental checkups.
1. Floss once a day & brush twice a day!
Most people know they should floss, but do they understand why? Brushing only covers about 60% of your teeth's surfaces. The other 40% are the tight spaces between teeth and just under the gumline, and can be reached with floss. Without flossing, it can lead to cavities, gum disease, and sometimes bad breath.
How to Floss Properly - WCHS Dentist. Dr. Monif tips for Flossing!
Break off about 18 inches of dental floss and wrap most of it around one middle finger, with the remaining floss wrapped around the other opposite middle finger. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers and gently guide it between your teeth, being careful not to snap it as this can irritate or harm your gums. Curve the floss into a "C" shape around each tooth and slide it up and down, making sure to reach just below the gumline. Use a clean section of floss as you move from tooth to tooth to help remove plaque and food particles effectively. "Flossing is a small daily step that makes a big difference - a little string today helps keep your smile strong and shining tomorrow!"
How to Brush My Teeth - WCHS Dentist, Dr. Rolf tips for Brushing!
Brush for two minutes by placing your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle along the gumline and using gentle back-and-forth motion to clean each tooth. Make sure to brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces thoroughly. When brushing the inside of your front teeth, hold the toothbrush vertically and use slow up and down motions. Brushing carefully helps remove plaque while supporting healthy gums and teeth. "Two minutes, twice a day keeps your smile bright and healthy - your future self (and your dentist) will thank you!"
2. Smart Diet: Be smart about what your diet can do to your teeth
What you eat/drink plays an important role in your dental health. Foods high in sugar and starch can feed harmful bacteria in your mouth, leading to plaque and build-up. Being mindful of these things can make a big difference in keeping your teeth healthy and strong.
What is a cavity & how can I prevent them?
A cavity is a damaged area of a tooth that forms when plaque - a sticky film of bacteria - builds up on the teeth and produces avids that wear away tooth enamel. Overtime, this damage creates small holes in the teeth, which can lead to pain, sensitivity, infection, and even tooth loss if not treated. To help prevent cavities, brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day, floss daily, drink plenty of water, and choose tooth friendly snacks like fresh fruits and vegetables. Regular dental visits are also important for keeping your smile healthy.
How to avoid chips/broken/uneven wear on my teeth?
A chipped or broken tooth happens when the enamel is cracked or a piece of the tooth breaks off, often due to biting down on hard foods, accidents, or teeth grinding. Uneven wear can develop over time from habits like grinding or clenching or bite alignment, which weakens teeth and makes them more likely to chip or break. Avoiding hard foods such as ice and hard candy can protect your enamel. Also wearing a mouthguard during sports or at night if you grind your teeth can help.
How to avoid staining my teeth?
Tooth stains are discolorations on the surface of your teeth that make them look yellow or brown over time. Stains can happen from foods and drinks that leave pigments behind, from tobacco use, or from poor oral hygiene that allows plaque and tartar to build up. According to the CDC, tooth color can also be affected by infant and early childhood illness, any drugs taken, dental infections of baby (primary) teeth, trauma to the face, and genetics. Common habits that causes stains include drinking coffee, tea, dark colored sodas, smoking, and not brushing or flossing regularly. To keep your teeth bright, limit these staining foods and drinks, brush after consuming them, and maintain a consistent oral care routine when brushing, flossing, and having regular dental cleanings.
3. Regular Exams
Seeing your dental professionals every 6 months is generally recommended. In Winnebago, our offers Dental Hygienist Visits, Dental Exams, and first-come, first-served, daily Emergency Appointments. To learn more, visit the clinic page or call .
Tribal Dental Clinic
In accordance with treaties between the United States government and tribes throughout Indian Country, all Native American descendants receive funded healthcare services from the United States. Owned and managed by the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System (WCHS) is one of the locations that provides these and other funded actue, primary, and preventitive healthcare services, including dental care to indigenous people. WCHS is a native serving health system who's mission is to create and sustain a healthy community.
Other Tribal Dental Clinics Near You?
There are several Native-serving dental clinics available throughout the United States. While WCHS's Dental Clinic is located in Winnebago, NE, you can find additional Indigenous servicing dental clinics in Niobrara, Omaha, Norfolk, and Lincoln, or by exploring the Indian Health Services website to locate one nearest to you.