Older Americans Risk Serious Oral Health Problems by Not Receiving Routine Care &
Midmark Corporation Steps Up To Support
Posted: September 17, 2013
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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