Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. When kids have access to regular oral health care, small problems don't become big ones - helping build healthy habits so kids can focus on being kids and learning. #teethmatter

Healthy parents help raise healthy kids. Lower income adults need consistent oral health coverage so they can stay healthy, avoid preventable pain, and model good oral health habits for their kids. #teethmatter

Every Washingtonian deserves an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of good oral health. Apple Health oral health investments help families access preventive dental care and treatment when they need it most. #teethmatter

Maintaining Apple Health oral health investments is a clear win: better health outcomes, fewer untreated dental issues, and more equitable access to care. #teethmatter

A healthy smile is about more than having nice teeth; it’s about confidence, dignity, and overall health. The Apple Health Dental program is wise health policy that keeps people healthy. #teethmatter

Access to Baby & Child Dentistry (ABCD) is proof that prevention works. By connecting Apple Health–insured babies & young children with/ dentists trained to care for them, ABCD has dramatically increased access to dental care, making WA state a national leader in kids’ oral health. #teethmatter

Access to preventive oral health care reduces emergency department visits for dental issues by treating minor issues like cavities and gum disease early before they escalate into painful infections or abscesses that drive people to the hospital for pain relief and antibiotics. #teethmatter

Shopping, cooking, parties, sweet treats, and packed schedules can make it too easy to forget to sip water regularly. Choosing fluoridated water (instead of sugary drinks) to stay hydrated and quench thirst can help you maintain good oral health amidst the holiday festivities. #teethmatter

Sign up for today healthcare coverage at Washington Healthplanfinder for medical and dental coverage to begin January 1st. If you have questions, check out their website for information on cost, finding a plan, FAQs & other important resources. #teethmatter www.wahealthplanfinder.org/us/en/2026-c...

Health coverage opens the door to care, including dental care. Enroll by Dec. 15th to ensure your coverage begins Jan. 1. Many families qualify for Apple Health, which provides comprehensive dental benefits for children and adults. #teethmatter #getcovered www.wahealthplanfinder.org

Though almost entirely preventable, tooth decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood. Washington state's Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD) Program makes it easier for Apple Health-insured kids through age 5 get preventive dental care. #teethmatter

Water fluoridation protects teeth against cavity-causing germs. But if you don't have access to fluoridated water, you can... 🪥Brush w/ fluoride toothpaste 🪥Get fluoride varnish 🪥Use fluoride mouthwash/rinse 🪥Take fluoride supplements 🪥Urge leaders to fluoridate in your community #teethmatter

Painful cavities, gum disease and poor oral health can be an imperceptible type of suffering manifested through: 🦷 Absenteeism 🦷 Lost productivity 🦷 Poor diet 🦷 Poor sleep 🦷 Impacted speech patterns 🦷 Lower self-esteem and confidence #teethmatter

Cavities are largely preventable. Ensuring every child has access to preventive oral health care and community water fluoridation can help create a world where an overwhelming majority of children can grow up cavity-free. #teethmatter

A reminder: Dental coverage IS health coverage because oral health IS health. #teethmatter

What ought to be done to ensure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of good oral health? Consider this: 31 of Washington state's 39 counties are dental health professional shortage area - meaning there are an insufficient number of dentists to meet the community's needs. #teethmatter

Dental care access during pregnancy is essential.Tooth decay and gum disease can contribute to pregnancy complications like premature birth or low birth weight. Not to mention, maintaining good oral health helps prevent cavity-causing germs passing from parent to baby after birth. #teethmatter

Fluoride is one of the best ways to improve oral health, strengthening tooth enamel and remineralizing teeth to prevent cavities. #teethmatter

#DYK working parents lose about 35.5M work hours annually due their kid's oral health problems - not to mention the economic impacts from dental care costs & an estimated $45B in lost productivity. Investing in preventive care keeps families healthier & our economy stronger. #teethmatter

Painful cavities and tooth loss just don't hurt; they make it hard to eat healthy, nutritious foods. Access to preventive dental care helps ensure everyone can enjoy the foods that nourish their bodies and support lifelong wellness. #teethmatter

Public Health Thank You Day was officially yesterday, but shouldn't it really be year round? Thank you today (& every day) to public health professionals for your skilled work, impassioned advocacy, and unwavering dedication to science. You help keep us all healthier & safer. #teethmatter #PHTYD

Cavities aren't "just cavities." They cause pain, make it hard to eat and can lead to costly, serious dental and overall health problems. The good news? Providing access to preventive oral health care helps people stay healthy and pain-free. #teethmatter

Everyone deserves to enjoy the benefits of good oral health. Apple Health's (Washington state's Medicaid program) dental program helps make that possible by connecting children and adults with the care they need to stay healthy. #teethmatter

Investments in the Apple Health dental program are just that - an investment. When children and adults have access to preventive dental care, small issues can be treated early, before they become more serious and more expensive problems. #teethmatter

Preventing illness is preferable to having to treat disease. Community water fluoridation helps protect teeth against cavity-causing germs, preventing pain and infection caused by tooth decay. #teethmatter

Treating preventable dental problems is significantly costlier than prevention. Untreated oral disease can lead to: 💸 Economic burdens for patients, health system & taxpayers 🦷 Pain & discomfort 📉 Lost productivity 🚑 Emergency department visits 🏥 Oral health impacts to overall health #teethmatter

Prevention works, helping kids remain healthy and ready to learn. #teethmatter

Access to preventive oral health care is a matter of equity. Programs like the Apple Health children's and adult dental programs help our lower income friends, family members and neighbors stay healthy and pain-free. #teethmatter

Community water fluoridation is one of the simplest, safest ways to prevent cavities and strengthen enamel for kids and adults. In fact, communities with fluoridated water see fewer cavities and lower oral health care costs. #teethmatter

Oral health care access shouldn't depend on what insurance you have. For patients with Apple Health (Washington state's Medicaid program) coverage, DentistLink is a free referral service that makes it easier to find a dentist. #teethmatter

Most teens have had at least one cavity - but tooth decay is largely preventable. Access to preventive dental care helps set kids up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. #teethmatter

Prevention pays off - literally. Regular dental checkups and preventive care like sealants, fluoride, and cleanings can stop cavities before they start. When we invest in prevention, we're not just saving money - we're sparing children and adults from unnecessary pain. #teethmatter 🦷

Health coverage may increase in 2026 if federal tax credits that have helped nearly 75% of the 300k Washingtoninans who buy insurance on the exchange expire. WA Healthplanfinder insurance brokers can help you shop for plans even during these uncertain times. #teethmatter www.wahealthplanfinder.org

A trip to the hospital emergency department can ease dental pain - but doesn't address the case. Apple Health dental benefits help Washingtonians stop problems early, before they come painful and costly. Prevention is smart policy and the right thing to do. #teethmatter

November is National American Indian Heritage Month. We recognize and celebrate the cultural, scientific and historic contributions American Indian and Alaska Native people have made - and continue to make - in Washington state and throughout our nation. #nativeamericanheritagemonth #teethmatter

National Brush Day is November 1st. But as far as we're concerned, every day is a day to recognize the importance of promoting good oral health with regular brushing. 🦷🪥✨#teethmatter

🎃👻👹 #happyhalloween #teethmatter

Your mouth's honmoon 👉 community fluoridated water. Your mission this Halloween (and year round) 👉 fight cavity monsters by choosing fluoridated water (instead of sugary drinks), brushing with fluoride toothpaste, and flossing regularly.💧🦷 #teethmatter #KPopDemonHunters

Halloween is almost here! 🎃👻 As kids (and adults) enjoy a bit of candy, it's a great time to remember small steps that keep smiles healthy. Check out these practical oral health tips to balance sweet treats with smart habits. 🍬🍭 😁 #teethmatter

Cavities are largely preventable, yet tooth decay remains the most common chronic childhood illness. It doesn't have to be that way. Investments that provide preventive dental care access to kids can make it so every child has the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of good oral health. #teethmatter

💧 Water fluoridation works—for everyone. 👍 Backed by dentists, hygienists, doctors, nurses & scientists. 💸 Affordable. 🦷Effective. ⚖️ Advances health equity. That’s why experts agree: fluoride in water keeps communities healthy. #teethmatter

Dental care access affects quality of life, impacting overall health and daily activities. Untreated oral health issues can cause pain, difficulty eating and speaking, and lead to more serious systemic health problems and burdensome healthcare bills. #teethmatter

Looking for ways to drink more water? (Sidebar: fluoridated provides added protection against cavities) Check out these hacks to help you reach your water drinking goals. #teethmatter

Community water fluoridation plays a protective role against dental decay throughout life, benefiting children, adults and senior citizens. #teethmatter

Untreated oral disease can directly impact working adults with missed workdays and reduced productivity. Visible decay and tooth loss also can take a social and psychological toll, affecting job interviews, workplace interactions, and missed career opportunities. #teethmatter

Ensuring access to affordable health care benefits everyone in Washington state, improving public health, supporting working families, and reducing overall healthcare costs by keeping individuals healthier and reducing reliance on emergency services. #teethmatter

Fluoridated water helps everyone - including older adults! As we age, gum recession and dry mouth can expose tooth roots, but drinking water with the right balance of fluoride helps keep smiles strong healthy and cavity-free. #teethmatter

Community water fluoridation offers oral health benefits for individuals and the broader public, reducing cavities and health disparities so everyone can enjoy the benefits of good oral health. #teethmatter

Dental care access matters. Oral disease can impact economic opportunity, creating a cycle of disadvantage that affects earning potential & contributes to economic burdens: 📉Lost productivity from pain & oral disease 😁Barriers to employment due to appearance 💸Increased healthcare costs #teethmatter