Affordable Ways To Keep Smiles Bright a (NAPSA)—In recent years, the association between oral health and one’s overall health has been well documented. Research indicates that there may be an association between cavities and gum disease and diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and even Alzheimer’s disease. In the United States, however, there are an estimated 47 million Americans who have no health insurance, and for many others, high co-pays make visiting the dentist a luxury. Healthier Teeth “For children between the ages of 5 and 17 in the US., tooth decay is more common than asthma and hay fever,” says Dr. Marsha Butler, DDS, vice president, Global Oral Health and Professional Relations, ColgatePalmolive Company. “Also, figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that untreated tooth decay began rising this decade for the first time in 50 years. These are lean times, but there arestill several steps families can take to promote good oral health.” Dr. Butler offers this advice: 1. Brush teeth and gums with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, especially after eating breakfast andbefore bedtime. 2. Floss teeth daily. Parents may want to model proper techniques by flossing with their kids. 3. Use fluoride rinse for strong and healthy teeth and gums. 4, Practice healthy eating by getting plenty of calcium and limiting daily snacks. | PZoo we / Taking care of teeth and gumsis an important part of total health. 5. If visiting the dentist regularly is cost prohibitive, check with the local board of health for dentists whooffer their services on a sliding scale or consider visiting a local school of dentistry. Graduate students at manyof these institutions offer excellent, low-cost care under the supervision of licensed dentists. 6. Log on to www.colgatebsbf.com —the Website of Colgate’s national education program, Bright Smiles, Bright Futures—to find out when the company’s mobile dental vans will visit your area. Manned by local dental professionals, this fleet of vanssets up free clinics in target areas and at cultural events across the United States. In 2002, Colgate made a public commitment to reach 100 million children by the year 2010 with free screenings, treatment referrals and oral health education. The company will realize this goal in 2009, one year aheadof schedule.
