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…
The proposed House supplemental budget protects many essential programs that provide dental coverage to vulnerable populations. Thanks in part to the efforts of Citizens’ Watch coalition and grassroots support statewide, there is a growing awareness that oral health is a critical part of overall health. The House budget released today in Olympia maintains funding for…
At Have a Heart for Kids Day last week, more than 200 parents, children and advocates delivered a powerful message to Washington state legislators: Preserve vital programs for kids and families when you balance the budget. A morning rain stopped as children raised banners, hoisted signs declaring “Kids Not Cuts” and then led the rally…
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…
Why is Washington’s coverage of dental care for low-income pregnant women so important? When a mother struggles with dental disease, her child has a far higher risk of developing dental decay, research suggests. “Children whose mothers exhibit poor oral health are five times more likely to have oral health problems themselves than children whose mothers…
Ads spotlighting the importance of dental care for pregnant women and other vulnerable people. Ads are now running on radio stations and news sites in the Puget Sound area and in Spokane about the importance of funding dental care for vulnerable people in Washington. The Governor’s proposed budget would eliminate non-emergency dental care for many…
The Wall Street Journal sheds new light on the connection between oral health and overall health in a new story about how signs in your mouth can indicate broader health problems. “Some of the earliest signs of diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, immune disorders, hormone imbalances and drug issues show up in the gums, teeth and tongue…
Policymakers may eliminate one of the key supports that allow dentists and physicians to volunteer their time to treat Washington State’s uninsured and underinsured. This legislative session policymakers are considering a proposal that would eliminate malpractice insurance for dentists, hygienists, physicians and other health care workers who volunteer to treat some of the state’s most…
The Governor’s proposed supplemental budget eliminates all non-emergency dental care for eligible Medicaid-insured adults ($8.6 million). Pregnant women enrolled in Medicaid would lose dental coverage. Poor oral health can lead to complications with pregnancy. In addition, mothers can pass the bacteria that cause dental disease to their babies. Nearly half of all births in Washington…
Washington legislators could take Medicaid dental benefits away from more than 30,000 low-income pregnant women later this month as part of a plan to balance the state budget, a decision that could lead to even higher dental costs in the future and poorer health for mothers and their children. The state Legislature will consider a…
Oral Health Watch
7 hours ago
An overwhelming majority of adults recognize the importance of oral health care access. Investments that provide access to preventive oral health care and timely dental treatments are good health policy - and the right thing to do. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
Painful cavities, tooth loss, and oral disease can make it difficult to chew, swallow, and enjoy healthy and delicious food, leading to reduced food intake and preventing people from consuming essential nutrients that promote well-being. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
Painful cavities, tooth loss, and oral disease can make it difficult to chew, swallow, and enjoy healthy and delicious food, leading to reduced food intake and preventing people from consuming essential nutrients that promote well-being. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4 days ago
There are numerous reasons why community water fluoridation is recognized as one of the Top 10 public health achievements of the 20th Century.
💧Cost-effective and equitable way to prevent cavities.
💧Shown to reduce cavities by at least 25% in children and adults.
💧Helps reduce ...dental treatment costs, saving households and health systems money.
💧Contributes to improved oral - and overall - health.
💧Reduces health disparities by benefiting everyone regardless of socioeconomic status.
#teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4 days ago
There are numerous reasons why community water fluoridation is recognized as one of the Top 10 public health achievements of the 20th Century.
💧Cost-effective and equitable way to prevent cavities.
💧Shown to reduce cavities by at least 25% in children and adults.
💧Helps reduce ...dental treatment costs, saving households and health systems money.
💧Contributes to improved oral - and overall - health.
💧Reduces health disparities by benefiting everyone regardless of socioeconomic status.
#teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
5 days ago