In an effort to put dental dilemmas to rest and increase consumer awareness of dental health issues, members of the Texas Academy of General Dentistry (TAGD) and the Greater Houston Dental Society will host a SmileLine, on Friday, February 14, during the Star of the South Dental Meeting in Houston, a three-day meeting sponsored by the Greater Houston Dental Society.
SmileLine is a dental health hotline that Texas consumers can call to talk one-on-one with a dentist. During Dental Dilemma Day on Friday, February 14, 2003 callers will get free dental advice from the volunteer dentists hosting the hotline. Bilingual dentists will also be available throughout the day to take calls from Spanish and Vietnamese speaking consumers. From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., anyone with questions or concerns about oral health can call the SmileLine, toll-free, at 1-800-SMILE 33 (800-764-5333).
Co-sponsored by Proctor & Gamble and the Greater Houston Dental Society, the SmileLine raises consumer awareness about oral health, new dental technology and the options available to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile. Since 1991, the SmileLine, dentistry's first national hotline, has helped put more than 13,000 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 Thomas E. Karr, DDS, FAGD, 2003 SmileLine coordinator. "We hope that this toll-free service helps answer difficult or embarrassing questions about dental and general health issues."
Recently, 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.
"The SmileLine offers a great opportunity for people to have any dental-related question answered in a relaxed, non-threatening environment," says Dr. Karr.
