Will 2018 be the year that we all – concerned citizens, policy makers, providers and health care advocates – in Washington State champion the important work of ensuring oral health care for all and eliminating health disparities? A recent opinion piece by Drs. Sue Yoon and Rachel Greene in the Daily Herald effectively explains why…
Health coverage for nearly 58,000 children in Washington State through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is at risk in 2018 if Congress fails to act. Federal funding for CHIP, a federal-state program established 20 years ago that provides no-cost or low-cost health insurance for children from lower income households whose families make too much…
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…
As children head back to school, policymakers and parents need to be aware of the importance of protecting children’s oral health. New research conducted by the University of Southern California and reported in Medical Daily provides further evidence that dental disease negatively affects the ability of children to perform well in school. The study examined…
Recent stories in the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times have added to the growing national attention on the lack of oral health care in the U.S. This summer The Kaiser Family Foundation released several policy briefs about oral health in the U.S. and the problems associated with a lack of dental care. …
Washington State’s recently released comprehensive new guidelines on childhood development reinforce that good oral health is an integral part of a child’s overall health and development. The Early Learning and Development Guidelines are an easy-to-use resource for parents and caregivers that describe key milestones for children from birth through third grade and ways to support…
After a marathon of negotiations a supplemental budget was approved by the state legislature on Wednesday. The good news is that the budget protects dental coverage for low-income pregnant women, seniors in nursing homes and people with developmental disabilities. This decision by the legislature to support funding for dental coverage reflects in part an increased…
In a Seattle-datelined story, a recent article in The New York Times brings greater attention to the increasing incidence and significant challenges of dental disease in very young children, and the need for increased prevention. “Preschoolers in Surgery for a Mouthful of Cavities” by Catherine Saint Louis begins by describing the extensive dental work –…
Dr. Eve Rutherford, an Arcora Foundation board member, was recently interviewed by KMPS radio reporter Stephen Kilbreath. Dr. Rutherford is a dentist and strong advocate for dental care for vulnerable populations. In the interview, Dr. Rutherford emphasizes the value of dental care, especially for low-income Washingtonians — including pregnant women — and potential cuts to…
Oral Health Watch
3h
Hospital emergency departments offer temporary relief, but are costly and ill-equipped to deal with the underlying causes of dental pain and infection. Policies that promote greater access to preventive dental care and support measures like water fluoridation can help prevent needless suffering, ...improve health and save money. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
11h
ERs offer temporary relief, but are costly & ill-equipped to deal w/ underlying causes of dental pain & infection. Policies that promote greater access to preventive dental care & measures like water fluoridation can help prevent needless suffering, improve health & save money.
New @AHRQnews report shows that over 2-M emergency dept visits in the US involved dental conditions. 62% of these visits were for nontraumatic dental issues that could have been treated in a dental office. Access the report: https://bit.ly/3DUJagw
Oral Health Watch
3d
Oral health is integral to overall health, and can affect chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes and pregnancy. Providing access to preventive oral health care is both good health policy and the right thing to do. #teethmatter
People with gum disease have a 28% higher risk of having their 1st heart attack than those without this disease. Learn other ways that oral health is linked to overall health: https://bit.ly/3j1WLbv #HeartHealth
Oral Health Watch
3d
Thanks to Arcora Foundation, Delta Dental of Washington, Seattle Children's and caring dental care providers like Dr. K.C. who make the SmileMobile possible. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4d
Sugar-sweetened beverages like sodas and fruit, sports and energy drinks are the leading source of added sugars in most diets. Choosing water - bonus if it has a good balance of fluoride - is a healthier and more hydrating option. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4d
Sugary beverages like sodas and fruit, sports and energy drinks are the leading source of added sugars in our diets. Choosing water - bonus if it has a good balance of fluoride - is a healthier and more hydrating option. #teethmatter
Think of what you put in your mouth 👄, that’s what healthy eating is about. The American Heart Association ♥️ recommends 6 teaspoons of sugar per day for women and 9 teaspoons of sugar per day for men. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sugar/added-sugars