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
4 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
22 hours 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