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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Oral Health Watch
21h
#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
23h
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
3d
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
3d
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
4d
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
4d
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