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Watch the current TV advertising sponsored by Citizen's Watch for Oral Health:
Seniors TV Spot (4,244Kb - Windows Media File) Seniors Radio Spot (943 Kb - Mp3 File)Dental disease is a significant health problem in Washington.
Despite the fact that it is almost entirely preventable, oral disease is increasing in Washington state, especially among children and seniors.
- Oral disease is the most common, chronic disease of early childhood - 5 times more common than asthma and 7 times more common than hay fever.
- In Washington the rate of dental decay among preschoolers is higher than the rate nationally. A 2005 survey showed that 45 percent of low-income preschoolers in Washington had dental decay compared to 28 percent of preschoolers nationally.
- The rate of decay among preschoolers in Washington has increased over the last 10 years. In 2004, 45 percent of low-income preschoolers had dental decay compared to 38.3 percent in 1994.
- 1 in 4 adults over the age of 65 have severe periodontal disease which is linked with heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Many more have cavities, especially in the roots of the teeth.
- More than 38 percent of all adults in the state have had teeth removed due to tooth decay or gum disease.
- Nearly one-fifth of older adults – estimated to be 150,000
people in Washington – have untreated dental cavities
You're not healthy if your mouth is not healthy
The U.S. Surgeon General has called oral disease a silent epidemic. He has urged states to make oral health a community priority, and to do more to protect the oral health and the overall health of residents. The Surgeon General also emphasized the need to change perceptions regarding oral health and disease so that oral health becomes an accepted component of general health.
Oral disease is infectious, progressive and often painful. Poor oral health has been linked to diabetes, heart disease and other long-term health problems. Poor oral health among children has been related to poor performance in school, poor social relationships and less success in later life.
Oral health is an integral part of overall health, yet in our state not enough is being done to prevent oral disease and improve oral health.
Citizens' Watch for Oral Health - making oral health a priority
The Citizens' Watch for Oral Health was formed to respond to the Surgeon General's challenge to make oral health a priority.
The objectives of the Citizens' Watch are to:
- Ensure that oral health is viewed as an important health issue
- Identify opportunities to prevent oral disease and to advocate for increased prevention
- Engage a powerful constituency to support policies to improve oral health
We need your help to prevent oral disease
Individuals and organizations can help improve oral health in Washington. Find out how you can help make a difference.
