How does fluoridated water actually work to protect teeth from tooth decay? It’s a question that some people may ask, so here’s the answer. As this video explains, fluoridated water works two ways. First, for young children during the tooth-forming years, the fluoride that is swallowed helps to strengthen the enamel of the developing teeth,…
Improving Access to Dental Care for Pregnant Women and People with Diabetes Ensuring that patients with diabetes and pregnant women have access to dental care presents a significant opportunity to improve health and save medical costs. These populations are more likely than the general population to have oral health problems and the consequences can be…
Support for lasting solutions that improve oral health – and overall health – for people in Washington state remains strong. The Oral Health Watch Coalition gathered on January 14th for a legislative kick-off lunch. More than 40 attendees representing business, child advocacy, education, government, faith-based, medical, and seniors-focused organizations shared their upcoming legislative goals and heard from keynote speaker…
Cavity-causing germs are infectious Experts recommend that pregnant women get dental care and any needed treatment before their baby is born. The germs that cause tooth decay can be passed from mother to child. If moms have tooth decay, their babies have an increased risk for tooth decay. Studies have shown that mothers typically pass…
The Seattle/King County Clinic with Remote Area Medical held at Seattle Center’s KeyArena shows the tremendous need for dental care in our community. More than 1,700 patients received dental services at this four-day event. More than 400 dental professionals and students volunteered their time, including dentists, oral surgeons, dental hygienists, and dental assistants. Hear from…
It’s National Diabetes Month. On November 23rd, the Yakima Herald-Republic featured an op-ed by Diane Patterson on the importance of oral health care for people with diabetes. Check it out: http://www.yakimaherald.com/opinion/latestoped/2666463-8/diabetes-and-dental-issues-tied-together Did you know that gum disease can make it harder to manage diabetes? If you have diabetes you are twice as likely to develop…
Medicaid Expansion Presents an Opportunity to Secure Dental Coverage for Low-Income Adults In Washington State, the Medicaid adult dental program was largely eliminated in 2011 due to budget shortfalls. Thanks to action by the Washington State Legislature, coverage was restored January 1, 2014. Arcora Foundation and its many partners successfully advocated for the restoration of…
The Seattle Times recently published an op-ed, “State should provide basic dental care for low-income adults”, authored by Fred Kiga and Mark Secord. We are thrilled that the largest newspaper in the state featured the piece, joining newspapers across the state in publishing editorials and op-eds advocating for full restoration of the Medicaid adult dental program,…
Our state legislators have acknowledged the importance of oral health by including some funding in their budget proposals to restore dental coverage for low-income adults. Urge legislators to approve the House level of funding, which fully restores dental coverage for Medicaid-insured adults, including essential procedures like fillings and root canals. Early dental care, such as…
The support for restoring dental care for low-income adults in Washington continues to build. More than 450,000 people lost dental coverage due to state budget cuts in 2011. Recent columns in newspapers across the state specify numerous reasons why funding dental care is a smart investment for the state. Preventing dental disease saves money, improves…
Oral Health Watch
3 hours ago
Thank you to the caring and dedicated oral health care professionals who help keep us healthy. #teethmatter #LaborDay #LaborDay2025
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
Cavities and oral disease can develop into more serious health problems and should be addressed promptly. Yet accessing preventive dental care and timely restorative care remains out of reach for far too many. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
Cavities and oral disease can develop into more serious health problems and should be addressed promptly. Yet accessing preventive dental care and timely restorative care remains out of reach for far too many. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4 days ago
Summer schedules are winding down; don't forget to incorporate oral health care into your fall routine to avoid cavities and to stay healthy. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4 days ago
Summer schedules are winding down; don't forget to incorporate oral health care into your fall routine to avoid cavities and to stay healthy. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
5 days ago
Today marked the first day of school for many young learners in Washington state. 🍎 Policies and investments that provide access to preventive health measures like community water fluoridation and timely restorative dental care help children stay healthy and ready to learn. #teethmatter