Many Ways to Improve Kids' Teeth During Children's Dental Health Month
Eric Tegethoff, Producer
Monday, February 21, 2022
It's Children's Dental Health Month, a time when the importance of oral health is in the spotlight.
Health professionals say children can improve the health of their teeth by upgrading their toothbrush to an electric one, for instance, or evaluating the need for a mouth guard at night to stop grinding.
Dr. Stephan Blanford is the executive director of the Washington state organization Children's Alliance. He said access to oral health is a big part of their mission.
"Something that we deemed very essential to our advocacy for children's issues," said Blanford, "is the recognition that oral health is [as] key a component as any other aspect of their physical health to their long-term well being."
Health specialists at UnitedHealthcare say people also should focus on gum health. A recent study highlights how important that is, finding that gum disease is associated with increased risk of complications from COVID-19.
While some Washingtonians can easily access care, Blanford said other communities are "dental deserts" lacking providers or with providers that don't take public insurance like Medicaid.
"There are lots of communities that don't have very good dental care options," said Blanford. "And obviously many of those communities are the ones that are most populated by families of color and low-income people."
Nationwide, more than 56 million people live in areas with dentist shortages. Blanford said one way to improve access in Washington state is to authorize dental therapists, which provide assistance to dentists and dental hygienists.
They're already authorized to practice in tribal communities in the state. A measure has been introduced in the Washington State Legislature to establish the profession statewide.
What Are Dental Therapists? FAQs about practitioners who provide routine care in a growing number of states Carr/Pew Charitable Trusts 10/9/19
SB 5142: Establishing the profession of dental therapist. the Washington State Legislature 2022
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