Colgate and the ADA Team Up for Oral Health Month

Every year, Colgate sponsors Oral Health Month during the month of June, and this year the American Dental Association (ADA) is joining in on the event.  The annual campaign, Share More Time, Share More Smiles has a goal of educating Hispanic families about the importance of proper oral care. This year’s theme, “Lead By Example,” focuses on speaking to parents who greatly influence the health and wellness of their families. Because being a role model is such an effective way of educating little ones, the campaign hopes to get parents on board with practicing good oral hygiene practices themselves.

“Good habits — like brushing for two minutes, twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and visiting a dentist regularly — helps keep smiles healthy,” said ADA President Carol Gomez Summerhays, in a recent ADA article. “Leading by example is one of the best ways to teach these healthy habits.”

Approximately a quarter of all Hispanics are millennials, and because these young Hispanics are estimated to account for more than half of the country’s total population growth by 2020, they are a targeted audience of the campaign.

“When Sare More Time, Share More Smiles messages reaches them [millennials], we’re confident that they will pass along the knowledge to both their parents and children. That way, the Oral Health Month message can reach multiple generations,” said Carla Kelly, general manager of U.S. multicultural marketing for Colgate-Palmolive.

Recent research has found that periodontal disease is most prevalent among ethnic minorities in the United States, specifically the Hispanic population. 63% of Hispanic adults and 59% of African-American adults in the US  have periodontitis. Oral disease has been linked to several other health issues, including cancer, diabetes, dementia, and heart disease. Improving oral health can directly influence overall well being, making it a critical component  in achieving and maintaining the best health possible. To find out more about oral health and our Hispanic community, check out this blog.