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…
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…
A new report by the Pew Center on the States estimates that preventable dental conditions were the primary diagnosis in 830,590 visits to emergency rooms nationwide in 2009. In most cases, care delivered in the ER will not provide lasting relief. Instead, patients need dental care to effectively treat toothaches and dental abscesses. Without access to…
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 –…
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…
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…
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…
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
5d
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