A MAJORITY OF UNINSURED OLDER ADULTS SKIP ROUTINE DENTAL VISITS

A MAJORITY OF UNINSURED OLDER ADULTS SKIP ROUTINE DENTAL VISITS

CHICAGO, September 17, 2013 — One of the most significant ways to maintain a healthy smile is to visit

the dentist on a regular basis. However, according to a new public opinion survey commissioned by Oral

Health America (OHA), uninsured older adults are skipping these important appointments. The survey

shows that only one in ten uninsured older adults visited the dentist in the past six months and over 40

percent have not been to the dentist in more than five years.

These results are why OHA is encouraging all Americans to spread the word about this year’s Fall for

Smiles^® campaign, which educates the public about maintaining good oral health through brushing and

flossing, regular dental visits, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding tobacco. The Fall for Smiles social media

guide, sponsored by Midmark Corporation, offers several ways dentists and families can participate in

the campaign and spread the word about the importance of oral health. Sharing the message of Fall for

Smiles through social media dramatically increases the number of Americans who learn about the

campaign and the importance of oral health.

“Using social media to talk about Fall for Smiles is the quickest and easiest way Americans of all ages can

participate in this year’s campaign,” said Eric Shirley, Vice President and General Manager of Midmark

Corporation. “We’re proud of the message that Fall for Smiles sends to the public and how it encourages

all of us to appreciate the essential connection between oral health and overall health. We also applaud

OHA’s effort to connect communities with resources.”

In addition to providing suggested language for Facebook and Twitter, the social media guide features

template articles for enewsletters and a template press release. Those wishing to participate in the

campaign are encouraged to use the hashtag FallforSmiles with any social media messages about oral

health sent during September and October. OHA will also be hosting a Twitter party centered around

the Fall for Smiles campaign. Visit the campaign’s webpage or follow OHA on Twitter @Smile4Health for

more details.

To download the social media guide and for more information about Fall for Smiles, visit the campaign’s

webpage at www.oralhealthamerica.org/fallforsmiles.

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