Oral Health America announces campaign

Oral Health America has announced launch of Fall for Smiles.

Fall for Smiles is a public messaging campaign conducted in collaboration with Oral Healthcare Can’t Wait, an initiative of the Dental Trade Alliance. The campaign begins in September 2010 to promote messages to consumers about the importance of self-care, good nutrition, regular dental visits, and tobacco avoidance in maintaining oral health.

During the campaign, OHA will announce the results of a public opinion survey on consumers’ beliefs about oral health. Sponsored by Oral Healthcare Can’t Wait and Plackers dental flossers, the survey of more than 1,000 adults and more than 1,000 children asked questions about oral care habits and perceptions.

Prior OHA surveys have shown that adults are unaware of the role that infectious bacteria play in tooth decay, and that time spent brushing teeth tends to diminish at nighttime and on weekends. This suggests that routines play a role in optimum oral care habits.

“The Fall for Smiles campaign is intended to bring the oral health community together to promote common messaging about what Americans can do to keep their mouths healthy,” said Beth Truett, president and CEO, Oral Health America.

“We are excited about the strong interest we have from the public and private sectors in a messaging campaign in the third quarter that reminds consumers about the importance of oral care routines as families are heading back to school and back to work.”

Fall for Smiles will include outreach to dental care providers through a participation booklet and kit created by Patterson Dental. The campaign will also dedicate a week to oral health issues faced by mature adults and older Americans, an initiative being sponsored by Aspen Dental. A “Tobacco Free Week” will focus on the oral health risks of tobacco use.

“Oral Healthcare Can’t Wait shares a common purpose with OHA’s Fall for Smiles campaign—to increase dental patient awareness,” said Gary Price, CEO, Dental Trade Alliance. “Our members are encouraged by the collaborative nature of this effort, and the multiple opportunities for outreach to patient populations and opinion leaders throughout the country.”

For more information, visit www.oralhealthamerica.org.

To read more about Oral Health America, go to Oral Health America.

Aspen Dental Dentist in Fairfield, CT Shares Nutrition Tips for a Healthy Summer Smile

Inspired by the arrival of warm weather, an Aspen Dental dentist in Fairfield, CT is recommending a summer twist on foods that not only promote healthy teeth and gums, but a healthy heart, too.

An estimated 75% of Americans have some form of gum disease and researchers have found that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from a heart condition as those without. (www.perio.org)

“Unfortunately, many people aren’t aware of the connection between your gums and your heart,” said Dr. Irshad Mohammed, lead dentist in Aspen Dental’s Fairfield office in the Black Rock Shopping Center. “In addition to brushing and flossing every day, and visiting your dentist every six months, it’s important to eat foods that promote good oral health.”

Dr. Mohammed’s Tips:
• Try tea. Drinking green tea is an easy way to ward off the bacteria that causes gum disease. It contains antioxidants called catechins that reduce inflammation and inhibit bacteria. Brew some green tea and then chill it for a cool and healthy summer drink.

• Choose fruits high in vitamin C. Depending on its size, a kiwi can give you 100 percent of your daily vitamin C intake. The vitamin C prevents the collagen in your gums from breaking down which can lead to tender gums more susceptible to disease. Blend kiwis and cantaloupe in a food processor to make a chilled summer soup or use as a topping on your favorite yogurt.

• Go with the grain. Eating whole grains is another simple way to keep your gums and heart healthy. Whole grains are digested more slowly than other grains, which means blood glucose levels rise at a steadier rate and mitigate the body’s production of bacteria that can cause gum and heart disease. Try replacing unrefined white pasta with whole wheat noodles in your pasta salad this summer.

For more advice on foods that can keep your mouth and heart in good health, ask your dentist during your next exam.

About Aspen Dental
One of the largest and fastest-growing networks of denture and dental care providers in the U.S., Aspen Dental practices are committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care under the Aspen Dental brand.

Aspen Dental practices are nationally accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and maintain an A+ rating with the BBB’s Reliability Report.

The Aspen Dental network currently has more than 245 locations in 20 states. In 2009, Aspen Dental doctors recorded more than 1.5 million patient visits, including visits from more than 340,000 new patients.

Aspen Dental doctors and staff help meet the demand for high-quality, yet affordable denture and dental services by offering convenient retail locations, extended hours, affordable fees and a wide range of payment plan options. The offices work with all insurance plans.

For more information about Aspen Dental and the services it provides, please visit www.aspendent.com. To learn more about careers at Aspen Dental, please visit www.aspendentaljobs.com.