Lifestyle

Share a smile by giving back

When we choose to give to others, we all feel great. Research shows that acts of kindness bring us more happiness and better health.

Across the nation, Americans gave $428 billion to charity in 2018.1 But money isn’t the only way to give. Children and families also need food, clothing, books and toys. Some of the most overlooked items include toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss.

The need for better oral health care is growing. The U.S. Surgeon General has called tooth decay a “silent epidemic” in our nation. Dental problems are creating a serious setback for millions of Americans — resulting in missed school and work, a loss of productivity, trouble concentrating and lower grades.

About 47,600,000

Americans are not getting the dental care they need, largely due to financial barriers.2

 

 

That's more than 15%

of the population, including millions of children.3

 

 

You can make a difference and make someone smile. Here are some ways to give back to the community:

Donate toothbrushes, fluoride toothpaste, mouthwash and floss to local homeless shelters.

 

 

Help stock your local food pantry with items such as canned veggies, nuts and powdered milk.

 

 

Offer to help a family member or neighbor get to the grocery store.

 

 

Give books to a local library or school to help teach kids about healthy choices.

 

 

Pick up a healthy meal, such as broccoli cheddar soup, for someone who is under the weather.

 

 

Volunteer to take seniors from a local assisted living facility to dental appointments.

 

 

Delta Dental is actively involved in communities across the country.

1,700

programs supported by Delta Dental companies help Americans get access to needed oral health care and education.

$79,000,000

was donated in 2018 by Delta Dental companies nationwide to programs that help improve oral health, expand access to dental care, prevent dental disease and educate about the oral-overall health connection.

If you or someone you know needs free or low-cost dental care, check with your local dental associations or community health centers to see what’s available. And if you’re able, give back this year. By helping one another, we bring joy to ourselves and more healthy, happy smiles to the world.