As children head back to school, policymakers and parents need to be aware of the importance of protecting children’s oral health. New research conducted by the University of Southern California and reported in Medical Daily provides further evidence that dental disease negatively affects the ability of children to perform well in school. The study examined…
Recent stories in the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times have added to the growing national attention on the lack of oral health care in the U.S. This summer The Kaiser Family Foundation released several policy briefs about oral health in the U.S. and the problems associated with a lack of dental care. …
Good oral health is critical to overall health and high quality and cost efficient systems of care must address oral health. Why? There is clear evidence that periodontal disease – a common, chronic dental disease that causes inflammation and eventually leads to tooth loss – is linked to other chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke,…
Washington State’s recently released comprehensive new guidelines on childhood development reinforce that good oral health is an integral part of a child’s overall health and development. The Early Learning and Development Guidelines are an easy-to-use resource for parents and caregivers that describe key milestones for children from birth through third grade and ways to support…
After a marathon of negotiations a supplemental budget was approved by the state legislature on Wednesday. The good news is that the budget protects dental coverage for low-income pregnant women, seniors in nursing homes and people with developmental disabilities. This decision by the legislature to support funding for dental coverage reflects in part an increased…
In a Seattle-datelined story, a recent article in The New York Times brings greater attention to the increasing incidence and significant challenges of dental disease in very young children, and the need for increased prevention. “Preschoolers in Surgery for a Mouthful of Cavities” by Catherine Saint Louis begins by describing the extensive dental work –…
Dr. Eve Rutherford, an Arcora Foundation board member, was recently interviewed by KMPS radio reporter Stephen Kilbreath. Dr. Rutherford is a dentist and strong advocate for dental care for vulnerable populations. In the interview, Dr. Rutherford emphasizes the value of dental care, especially for low-income Washingtonians — including pregnant women — and potential cuts to…
With the release of the Senate budget Tuesday, both Houses of the state Legislature are proposing to continue funding dental coverage for low-income pregnant women, seniors in nursing homes and people with developmental disabilities. This coverage was eliminated in Gov. Gregoire’s proposed supplemental budget. Decisions by legislators to preserve dental coverage reflect increased recognition that…
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, a good time to remember and talk to others about the importance of good oral health. Today in Washington there is good news as fewer low-income preschoolers around the state suffer from tooth decay and the overall rate of untreated decay among children is falling, signs that access…
On Have a Heart for Kids Day (Thursday, Feb. 9) advocates, parents and kids will march to Washington’s state capitol and tell legislators to invest in families and children – their dental care, health and education – as they craft a balanced budget for the next two years. It is a critical time for this…
Oral Health Watch
6 hours ago
It's not always easy getting kids and adults to choose water over sugar-sweetened sodas and punches. But adding ice, fresh fruit, and herbs to water can make drinking water more enjoyable. And if your water is fluoridated? Bonus! #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
Summer break may mean a less structured schedule, but it's still important for kids to maintain good oral health care habits. Check out these tips below to ensure children (and adults) protect their teeth throughout the summer break. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
Summer break may mean a less structured schedule, but it's still important for kids to maintain good oral health care habits. Check out these tips below to ensure children (and adults) protect their teeth throughout the summer break. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4 days ago
Community water fluoridation plays a vital role in advancing oral health by providing a cost-effective and equitable means of preventing cavities and protecting individuals of all ages, income levels, and insurance coverage status from the financial and physical burden of oral disease. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4 days ago
Community water fluoridation plays a vital role in advancing oral health by providing a cost-effective and equitable means of preventing cavities and protecting individuals of all ages, income levels, and insurance coverage status from the financial and physical burden of oral disease. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
5 days ago
Most adults report experiencing at least one cavity. But it doesn't have to be that way for future generations. Supporting efforts that expand access to dental care, preventive measures like water fluoridation, and programs that treat small oral health problems before they become more serious ...- and costly - issues is good health policy and the right thing to do. #teethmatter