OHA Fall for Smiles

CHICAGO, Illlinois--A recent public opinion survey commissioned by Oral Health America found that in the past year, more than one-third (35%) of those who regularly visit the dentist have cut back.

Though this finding tracks with the fears and realities of the current U.S. economy, routine dental visits play a vital role in preventing oral and systemic disease and keeping future health-care costs down.

This finding is one of the many reasons why Oral Health America launched Sept. 1, 2011, the Second Annual Fall for Smiles campaign. The campaign aims to remind policymakers and the public about the importance of dental self-care, regular dental visits, healthy food choices, and avoiding tobacco products.

Fall for Smiles runs through the end of October 2011. Dental offices, health educators, school dental program officials, parents, and others can find a variety of tools to promote healthy mouths. This includes a social media guide, coloring sheets, and campaign handbook. For information, visit www.oralhealthamerica.org/fallforsmiles.

“Fall for Smiles reminds families to prioritize the health of their mouths in back-to-school routines,” said Beth Truett, president and CEO of Oral Health America.

"The commitment to dental health starts at home, and continues with regular visits to a dental care provider. We have a societal responsibility to educate Americans about why oral health is important, and to ensure that all Americans--particularly those most vulnerable to disease--are able to obtain the care they need.”

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Additional findings in the public opinion survey found that a greater number, nearly one-half (47%), of larger households and those with younger children have cut back on their visits to the dentist in the past year. Those who have younger children cut back more frequently than those households that have slightly older children.

This further emphasizes the impact the economic downturn is having on young families who are struggling to get established and the need for policies and programs that support dental care and educational resources for them.

“The findings from the public opinion survey reinforce why Oral Healthcare Can’t Wait is involved with Fall for Smiles,” said Gary Price, president of Dental Trade Alliance. “The messages that Fall for Smiles promotes are vital when Americans are making choices about how to allocate resources and stay healthy.”

For more information visit www.oralhealthamerica.org.

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