
A cavity-free childhood is possible
Cavities are not inevitable and tooth decay doesn’t have to be a part of growing up. Good oral health is a vital component of children’s health, general wellbeing and their ability to thrive. When young children have access to preventive oral health care and early treatment, it sets them on a path of healthy living.
Washington state is a national leader in providing oral health care for lower income young children, due in large part to the Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD) program. Oral Health Watch supports efforts to maintain and strengthen proven-effective programs like ABCD to ensure that young children and preteen children with disabilities continue to have access to essential preventive oral health care and early treatment. We urge lawmakers to remain committed to children’s oral health and build on the progress that has been made.
Though almost entirely preventable, tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease in the U.S. In Washington state, 53% of third-grade students have at least one cavity and 17% of third graders reported having seven or more cavities. These numbers are unacceptable.
Poor oral health has serious consequences for children. If left untreated, oral disease can lead to painful cavities, missed school days, malnutrition, low self-esteem and diminished employment opportunities later in life. Policies that provide accessible dental care in the early years also help foster lifelong health. Studies show that children who experience tooth decay in their primary teeth are more likely to have cavities as adults, impacting their oral health and overall health for a lifetime.
To find an ABCD dentist near you, click here.
Follow this link to tell legislators that you support policies and proven-effective programs, like ABCD, that expand oral health care access for children.
Oral Health Watch
14h
Poor oral health disproportionately affects lower-income, BIPOC, and underserved and rural communities. Programs like Apple Health adult dental and Access to Baby and Child Dentistry are wise investments that connect Washington residents to dental care. #teethmatter #waleg
Oral Health Watch
14h
Poor oral health disproportionately affects our lower-income, BIPOC, and underserved and rural communities. Programs like Apple Health adult dental and Access to Baby and Child Dentistry are wise investments that connect Washington residents to dental care. #teethmatter #waleg
Oral Health Watch
1d
Thank you @First5LA, @APHAOralHealth, @nccPAHealthFdn & @CommonHealthACT for joining our Tweetchat today on promoting children's dental health. #NCDHM #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1d
👇#NCDHM #teethmatter
A7: The health of a caregiver can have a direct impact on the health of their children. We need to continue advocating for retaining the adult dental Apple Heath benefit, as well as increasing community water fluoridation, so we can keep entire families healthy! #NCDHM https://twitter.com/OralHealthWatch/status/1364647441048342530
Oral Health Watch
1d
#NCDHM #teethmatter
A8: @MightyMouthWA is a social marketing campaign to raise awareness and promote preventive oral health habits for kids and young parents! We have videos, blogs, and other materials to promote good oral health in your community: https://www.themightymouth.org/ https://twitter.com/OralHealthWatch/status/1364649160276725765
Oral Health Watch
1d
Absolutely @tookatooth. Everyone deserves to enjoy the benefits of good oral health. #NCDHM #teethmatter
Because Health is important. Health helps folks live without chronic pain. Health helps folks live more comfortably. Health helps people live. Health does not equate to worth but disease prevention is something everyone is worthy of
#NCDHM #oralhealthishealth https://twitter.com/OralHealthWatch/status/1364637004630093828