Nagging molar making you irritable? Afraid of going to the dentist? To help educate the public and increase consumer awareness of dental health issues, members of the Tennessee Academy of General Dentistry are hosting the SmileLine, a national dental health hotline that consumers can call to talk one-on-one with a dentist.
During Dental Awareness Day on Friday, August 16, 2002, consumers have a chance to get dental advice from members of the Tennessee Academy of General Dentistry. Anyone with questions about oral health can call the SmileLine, toll-free, at 1-888-74-SMILE (1-888-747-6453) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT.
Advice given during the SmileLine, which is celebrating its 11th national anniversary this year, has helped put more than 14,500 consumers' dental questions and fears to rest, and has strengthened and encouraged patients' relationship with the dentist.
"Most people know that neglecting their oral health means risking cavities and gum disease," says Ernest DeWald, DDS, MAGD, ABGD, 2002 SmileLine coordinator. "We hope that this toll-free service will help answer difficult or embarrassing questions about dental health issues."
In recent years, researchers have found a connection between gum disease and coronary vascular disease, which can place people at risk for heart attacks and strokes. In individuals with diabetes, gum disease is associated with poor control of insulin levels. Pregnant women also need to be careful; gum disease can place pregnant women at risk for having low-birthweight babies.
"By seeking dental care on a more preventive and pro-active basis, patients will aid their overall health," says Dr. DeWald.
The Academy's SmileLine Online section at www.agd.org enables consumers to post dental health questions online and have them answered by an Academy member dentist. Consumers can get names, addresses and phone numbers of up to three general dentists, by calling 1-877-2X-A-YEAR (1-877-292-9327) or request free oral and overall health literature.
The Academy of General Dentistry is a non-profit organization of more than 37,000 general dentists dedicated to staying up-to-date in the profession through continuing education.
