Save our Smiles is the catch phrase for a number of dental health education programs including that which is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Health. The programs are aimed at teaching elementary aged children about oral health and prevention of caries. Among other things they provide daily tooth brushing with fluoridated toothpaste, oral hygiene education, parent education, dental screening, referrals and follow-up. These programs get children off to a good start forming habits that will last.

Why the need for programs such as these? A glance at the statistics will highlight the state of our smiles. In a 2004 survey in Pennsylvania conducted by the Department of Health, approximately 70% of Hispanic adults had visited the dentist in the previous year, which compared to white non-Hispanics was almost equal. Nationwide Hispanics adults are less likely to have caries experience and keep their teeth longer than fellow Americans which is excellent.  But for our children (6-15years) the rate of dental visits was much lower and the rate for caries experience is higher. The findings are much the same in Delaware and New Jersey also.

The school based dental health education program is one excellent resource, and it works. That does not mean that parents don't have to do anything. Parents' good example and training their children will have the biggest impact on children's oral health and overall well being.

3 Minutes

If you spend less than 3 minutes brushing your teeth then the plaque is probably not being removed. Plaque is the sticky harmful film of bacteria that grows on teeth and causes caries, gum disease and eventual tooth loss if it not controlled. The basics as published by the PA Department of Health and the Academy of General Dentistry are as follows;

•    Brush for 3 minutes including your gums and tongue
•    Brush twice a day
•    Use dental floss nightly
•    Use toothpaste that contains fluoride and is approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) children under 2 should not use toothpaste and those over 2 should use it as directed by a Dentist.
•    Change your toothbrush once every three to four months
•    Eat balanced meals and limit foods high in sugar, especially snacks

Oral bacteria may rove beyond the mouth

Gum or periodontal disease affects some 80% of American at some stage in life. It can be anything from simple gum inflammation to serious damage to the gum and surrounding tissue that can cause damage to the bone that supports the teeth. The bacteria that cause gum disease are implicated in some studies as affecting our health in general. A few studies have even linked oral bacteria to heart disease. More research is needed to confirm these findings at this stage but the point is that dental health is important to our overall good health.

Risk factors for gum disease and poor oral health according to the US Department of Health are;
•    Not brushing or flossing  regularly
•    Smoking
•    Hormonal changes in girls/women make gums more sensitive
•    Diabetes puts one at higher risk for infections
•    Stress lessens the bodies ability to fight infections
•    Medications that lessen the flow of protective saliva
•    Illnesses like Cancer or AIDS and their treatments affect oral health

Questions you should ask your Dentist

The American Dental Association provides some excellent questions you should ask your dentists as well as resources for finding a dentist in your area. For many there is a measure of anxiety in visiting the dentist but the better the relationship you have with your dental professional the easier it will be. Some questions to ask would be;
•    What does this treatment recommendation mean?
•    Are other treatment options available?
•    Which of the recommendations are absolutely necessary at this time?
•    How much will this cost, when and how am I expected to pay?
•    What if I want a second opinion?

State Resources for Low Income Families

There are resources available for low income families in PA, NJ and DE. The respective Departments of Health are the best starting points.

In Pennsylvania the Department of Health "Oral Health Care Program" makes available the Safety Net Dental Clinics which are non-profit community based clinics for those who can't afford dental care or who have no access to care. For more information call 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258) or look them up on the web at www.dsf.health.state.pa.us and use the search to look for 'oral health'.

In New Jersey the Department of Health and Senior Services sponsors an Oral Health Program. In addition to the Children's Oral Health Education Program which is school based, it also provides a directory of dental clinics that can help people with insurance or financial constraints. Bear in mind that there may be financial or residency requirements to qualify. For more information call the program at 609-943-5749 or on the web www.state.nj.us/health/ and use the search to look for 'oral health' the link is the first result.

In Delaware, Delaware Health and Social Services provide resources for families also. Delaware Headstart Collaboration Project helps children less than five years of age from low income families with health care. For adults, Wilmington Hospital 302-428-4850 and DelTec 302-571-5364 both have programs for low income adults.

It is worth the effort to save our smiles.