WHAT IS THE PROBLEM THAT THE MYSMILEBUDDY PROGRAM ADDRESSES?

Despite major improvements over the decades, too many children still suffer too much and too often with dental caries – the chronic disease that results in tooth decay. Consequences range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain and infection and include lost opportunities to eat, sleep, speak, learn and play.

 

According to the CDC, nearly a quarter of 2-5 year olds and more than half of older children have experienced cavities. Because this disease particularly affects children of poverty and social disadvantage, it is a marker for health inequities.

 

Nonetheless, dental caries is an overwhelmingly preventable – and if not prevented, suppressible – disease. Risk factors are behavioral: frequent consumption of sugary and starchy foods and drinks and insufficient oral hygiene with fluoridated toothpaste.

 

While fillings and other dental treatments repair the damage caused by this disease, the only way to prevent or suppress the damage it causes is by adopting and sustaining healthy dietary and hygienic behaviors.

 

MySmileBuddy is here to help!