Dental Awareness Day

During Dental Awareness Day on Friday, July 9, 2004, consumers will have a chance to get advice from the experts attending the AGD’s 52nd Annual Meeting in Anaheim, July 7-11, 2004. Anyone with questions or concerns about oral health can call the SmileLine, toll-free, at 1.800.SMILE.33 (1.800.764.5333) from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. PT.

Advice given during the SmileLine, which is celebrating its 13th national anniversary this year, has helped put more than 15,000 consumers’ dental questions and fears to rest, and has strengthened and encouraged the patient’s relationship with the dentist.

“Most people know that neglecting their oral health means risking cavities and gum disease,” says Manuel A. Cordero, DDS, MAGD, 2004 SmileLine coordinator. “We hope this toll-free service will help answer difficult or embarrassing questions about dental and general health issues.”

In recent years, researchers have found a connection between gum disease and coronary vascular disease, which can place people at risk for heart attacks and strokes. In individuals with diabetes, gum disease is associated with poor control of insulin levels. Pregnant women also need to be careful; gum disease can place pregnant women at risk for having low-birthweight babies.

“By seeking dental care on a more preventive and pro-active basis, patients will aid their overall health,” says Dr. Cordero. Co-sponsored by Kodak Dental Products and Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals, the SmileLine, dentistry’s first national hotline, continues to raise consumer awareness about oral health, new dental technology and the options available to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.

Missed the SmileLine on July 9? Visit SmileLine Online
The AGD’s SmileLine Online section at www.agd.org enables consumers to post dental health questions online and have them answered by an AGD member dentist. Click on the “Ask a Dental Question” link on the AGD web page.

Also, consumers can get names, addresses and phone numbers of up to three general dentists, by calling 1.877.2X.A.YEAR (1.877.292.9327) or by visiting the AGD Web site.

2004 SmileLine FAQs

What is the SmileLine?

-- A toll-free dental hotline available to consumers in the United States and Canada for only one day, during the Academy of General Dentistry’s (AGD) Annual Meeting in Anaheim. The SmileLine was created in 1991 to strengthen and increase consumer awareness about dental health issues.

-- By calling 1.800.SMILE.33 (1.800.764.5333) from anywhere in the United States or Canada from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. PT (or 9 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. ET) on Friday, July 9, 2004, consumers will be provided with answers to dental questions.

-- Top questions during the 2003 SmileLine included: b leaching, bridges and crowns, gum disease, tobacco use, whitening products, bonding, veneers, implants, X-rays and sensitive teeth.

Who can call the SmileLine?

-- Anyone can call to speak with a dentist about dental questions, concerns or interests from the privacy of their home or office.

-- Bilingual dentists will be available to answer calls from Spanish-speaking consumers.

Who answers the SmileLine calls?

-- AGD members, who are committed to providing quality care and patient education to the public and average more than 40 hours of continuing education per year.

-- All volunteers are well-versed in every area of general dentistry and are prepared to provide callers with confidential answers to common, difficult or embarrassing dental questions.

What are some common dental dilemmas and off beat questions?

-- Does kissing cause or spread gum disease?

-- I never get cavities. Why should I go to the dentist?

-- My dentist said gum disease can put me at risk for a heart attack. What does my heart have to do with my teeth?

-- I wear dentures. Do I need to see the dentist if nothing bothers me?

-- I want to whiten my teeth. What are the different options?

-- When I wake up in the morning, sometimes my jaw muscles hurt. Is that a problem?

-- I just got my tongue pierced but my coach wants me to remove the piercing during sports. Why should I do that?

-- Is it safe to get dental x-rays if I’m pregnant?

-- At what age should I take my child to the dentist?

-- My gums bleed, but only when I brush my teeth. Is that a problem?

-- I have a sore on my gums, but it doesn’t hurt. Should I have this looked at?

How can I get year-round dental advice?

-- Access SmileLine Online 24 hours a day, year-round, by clicking on the big red grin at www.agd.org.

-- This dental health bulletin board enables consumers to post dental inquiries and have them answered by an Academy volunteer.

Dentists staff the service seven days a week and will answer questions within 48 hours. Post questions in English or Spanish.

NOTE: Information that appears in General Dentistry, the AGD's peer-reviewed journal, AGD Impact, the AGD's newsmagazine and related press releases do not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the AGD. The Academy of General Dentistry is a non-profit organization of more than 37,000 general dentists dedicated to staying up-to-date in the profession through continuing education. A general dentist is the primary care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to patient's oral health needs.