Dental Association Wants Parents, Caregivers to Know ‘Baby Teeth Matter!’

The 2,900-member Wisconsin Dental Association wants parents and caregivers to know that baby teeth, even though they eventually fall out, are very important to a child’s early physical, social and emotional development.

WEST ALLIS, WIS., Feb. 9, 2011 – The 2,900-member Wisconsin Dental Association wants parents and caregivers to know that baby teeth, even though they eventually fall out, are very important to a child’s early physical, social and emotional development.

“Healthy baby or primary teeth foster good nutrition through proper chewing, aid in speech development and build self-esteem by providing a beautiful smile,” explains WDA President Dr. Eugene Shoemaker. “They enable a child to pay attention and learn in school without the distraction of dental pain and save space in the jaw for when the adult or permanent teeth come in.”

The WDA is kicking off its new “Baby Teeth Matter” public awareness campaign during February – National Children’s Dental Health Month.

A 30-second television spot is a cornerstone of the campaign. In it, a dentist encounters a young mother and her 3-year-old daughter in a store’s oral hygiene products aisle. Using a portable video monitor, the dentist helps them visualize the little girl first with decayed teeth and then with an unattractive, misaligned smile.

The TV spot is airing statewide and is posted on WDA’s YouTube channel and website.

“Baby Teeth Matter” resources on WDA.org include short video clips that explain why early childhood tooth decay is a serious, infectious and transmissible disease. There’s a clip showing how to brush a young child’s teeth and tips for helping youngsters fight cavities with good daily oral hygiene and a healthy diet.

Visit the WDA’s Facebook page and post comments about the campaign or ask questions about children’s dental health. Use the special #babyteethmatter hash tag on Twitter to connect quickly with more tips to help keep young smiles healthy.

“Good personal daily oral hygiene, appropriate use of fluoride, properly placed sealants, routine professional dental exams and early restorative care help prevent dental disease” Shoemaker says. “This saves patients of all ages from infection, pain and the need for more advanced and expensive treatment.”

Studies show oral health is critical to overall well-being. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ “Healthy People 2010″ report, cavities are a chronic disease that is five times more common than asthma among our nation’s children.

The WDA was established in 1870. Today, it represents 83 percent of all licensed, practicing dentists in Wisconsin. Members are committed to promoting professional excellence and quality oral health care.