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
47 minutes ago
Small swaps can make a big difference! Replacing sugary beverages with refreshing water (added bonus if it's fluoridated) supports overall health and your smile. Consider:
🧊 Adding ice
🍓 Infusing with fresh fruit
🍋 Tossing in citrus slices
🌿 Including herbs like ...mint
🚰 Carrying a reusable water bottle wherever you go
#DrinkMoreWater #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 days 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
2 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
3 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
4 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
1 weeks 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