As part of National Children's Dental Health Month, the Wisconsin Dental Association (WDA) has launched a new public awareness campaign, Baby Teeth Matter, targeted at parents and caregivers.
A 30-second TV 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. Short video clips that explain why early childhood tooth decay is a serious, infectious, and transmissible disease also are featured.
"Healthy baby or primary teeth foster good nutrition through proper chewing, aid in speech development, and build self-esteem," explained WDA President Eugene Shoemaker, DDS, in a press release. "Good personal daily oral hygiene, appropriate use of fluoride, properly placed sealants, routine professional dental exams, and early restorative care help prevent dental disease."
