Focus on the necessity of the Legislature to restore dental coverage for low-income adults continues to increase all over the state. The Bellingham Herald carried a long and compelling local article this past weekend describing the pain and other impacts on people who lost dental coverage due to state budget cutbacks in 2011.
In the story, caregivers, patients and others discuss the increased costs and health consequences that result from dental problems that aren’t treated early and become much more severe.
As the director of critical care and emergency services for Bellingham’s St. Joseph Hospital said: “We can expect to see an increase in dental emergencies as people delay preventive care due to lack of insurance.”
Read the full article.
Oral Health Watch
7 hours ago
Today, July 30th, we celebrate 61 years of Medicare and Medicaid. These two landmark programs have helped millions of older adults, people with disabilities, children, and lower income families access the health care they need. Here's to healthier people, families, and communities! #Medicare ...#Medicaid #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 days ago
Major public health organizations - including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the World Health Organization - affirm community water fluoridation is a safe, equitable, and cost-effective method to prevent cavities.... #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 days ago
Painful cavities can affect school attendance and overall health. Yet cavities are the most common chronic condition among kids. Preventing cavities with access to care and preventive measures helps youth thrive. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
Access to preventive care and timely treatment helps stop small problems from becoming painful, costly emergencies. Yet more than one-third of Washington adults report going without dental care because of cost. Everyone deserves the opportunity to get the care they need - when they need it. ...#teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
6 days ago
Parents teach us so many firsts, including how to care for our smiles. When parents have access to preventive oral health care, they’re better equipped to model healthy habits their children can carry for life like brushing twice a day, choosing water and visiting the dentist regularly. This ...National Parents Day, let’s celebrate parents and help ensure every family has the care and support needed to grow healthy smiles. 😁🪥#NationalParentsDay #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
Sugary drinks belong in the trash; not on your teeth. Reach for fluoridated tap water to stay hydrated and help protect your smile from cavities. Jimothy would approve...probably. 🦝☀️ #teethmatter #jimothy
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
It’s hot out there, Washington! Keep cool and hydrated with water, and choose fluoridated water for added protection against cavities. Your body and your smile will thank you! ☀️💧#teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
The latest Smile Survey finds widening disparities with lower-income experiencing higher rates of rampant decay (7 or more cavities) than their more affluent peers. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
Access to preventive dental care and health measures helps set kids on a lifelong path of good oral health. #teethmatter