Good oral health is critical to overall health and high quality and cost efficient systems of care must address oral health. Why? There is clear evidence that periodontal disease – a common, chronic dental disease that causes inflammation and eventually leads to tooth loss – is linked to other chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke,…
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…
With the release of the Senate budget Tuesday, both Houses of the state Legislature are proposing to continue funding dental coverage for low-income pregnant women, seniors in nursing homes and people with developmental disabilities. This coverage was eliminated in Gov. Gregoire’s proposed supplemental budget. Decisions by legislators to preserve dental coverage reflect increased recognition that…
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…
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 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…
Each fall, policymakers and advocates come together for the Washington State Senior Lobby conference, this year held on October 21. As a member of the Senior Lobby, WDS Foundation is a sponsor of the conference and will host a booth providing resources and information to highlight the importance of good oral health for seniors. Seniors…
“…Even during tough times, it makes sense to prevent dental disease and keep all kids healthy.” That’s the message that is being delivered in radio ads sponsored by Arcora Foundation now airing across the state. The statewide advertising campaign is designed to raise awareness of kids’ oral health and urge continued support for programs to…
Oral Health Watch
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#teethmatter
#DentalCare is so expensive without insurance that it is the number one medical service that people in America skip due to the cost. Now is the time to add #DentalCoverage to #Medicare. #OralHealth #MouthsinMedicare
Oral Health Watch
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Absolutely, @Arcorafound. A good oral hygiene routine (which includes regular brushing w/fluoride toothpaste) paired w/ routine dental visits and access to fluoridated drinking water can lead to both improved oral health and lower dental care costs. #teethmatter
DYK that daily brushing and flossing can save you some serious $$$?! Even if you’re diligent about seeing your dentist, these habits are key to preventing cavities and gum disease. #NationalBrushDay #PowerYourSmile
Download free #oralhealth materials➡ https://bit.ly/2ZjS8Ce
Oral Health Watch
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Parents and caregivers are a child's first teacher. When kids see the adults in their lives value good oral health, they are more likely to model good oral health hygiene habits throughout childhood and into adulthood. #teethmatter
#DYK your children are more likely to make brushing a habit when they see you model the behavior? Make this #NationalBrushDay count by brushing with your kids! Show us your pearly whites & tag #BrushTogetherOnNBD on November 1! @brush2min2x
Oral Health Watch
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Sugary drinks are a nice occasional treat. Choose water (an added health benefit if its fluoridated water) to stay hydrated, satisfy thirst and wash down food during meals. #teethmatter
What's the sweetest drink for your smile? Tap water! 🚰 Learn how balancing the right amount of fluoride in tap water benefits everyone, regardless of age or socioeconomic status ➡ https://bit.ly/3bARgdB. #ValueWater
Oral Health Watch
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And #DYK that cavities are preventable? Practicing a good oral hygiene routine coupled with regular dental visits, drinking fluoridated water, dental sealants and fluoride varnishes can help kids grow up cavity-free. #teethmatter
#DYK: Cavities in baby teeth often lead to cavities in adult teeth? Ask your dentist these three questions to set your little one’s teeth up for success 🦷
https://www.themightymouth.org/3-questions-to-ask-a-dentist-or-pediatrician-about-your-babys-oral-health
Oral Health Watch
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Everyone deserves to enjoy the benefits of good oral health. Thank you #SmileMobile - and @Arcorafound, @DeltaDentalWA, @seattlechildren and caring providers who make the SmileMobile possible - for providing dental care access in rural and underserved communities. #teethmatter
Thumbs up for our #SmileMobile clinic in Spokane! 🙌 Thank you to the incredible Marshallese community health workers who helped patients feel comfortable and secure during their visits. #access #removingbarriers
📰 Read more in @SpokesmanReview ➡ https://bit.ly/3vpAwAy