Want a Healthy Body? Start with a Healthy Mouth

The Michigan Dental Association will launch its all-new 2005 public education campaign focusing on the importance of oral health to overall health on TV stations across the state this month, and has introduced an all-new smilemichigan.com Web site. Watch for the new TV ads on your local stations beginning June 27.

The new TV campaign features two ads, both of which feature a "dentist" character who informs consumers how regular dental checkups can often identify serious medical conditions associated with health problems such as diabetes, oral cancer, diabetes and even pregnancy complications.

The first spot, "Gym," features a man and a woman on exercise bikes remarking about how exercise has improved their health. The MDA dentist then appears and asks if they’ve seen their dentist lately, pointing out how dentists can often spot early symptoms of various health problems. One of the characters then reaches for her cell phone to make a dental appointment, and the ad closes humorously.

The other spot, "Salad," takes place in a restaurant, where two women are enjoying "healthy" salads. A dentist then appears and reminds them that it’s also healthy to see the dentist. Again, one of the characters reaches for a cell phone to make a dental appointment, and the ad ends with more gentle humor.

Both ads feature the Michigan Dental Association logo and urge consumers to visit their Michigan Dental Association dentist.

Dr. Steve Fegan, chair of the MDA Committee on Public Relations, said it's important for the public to understand how proper dental care and a healthy mouth contribute to a person's overall health and well-being. A dentist can identify symptoms of such medical problems as oral cancer, diabetes, heart disease and even pregnancy complications. The redesigned MDA Web site features a "Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body" section describing the types of illnesses a dentist can detect at early stages.

"Most consumers don't realize that a dentist can identify symptoms of more serious medical problems during regular dental check-ups," Fegan said. "The Michigan Dental Association believes this is an important message to convey to the public and we hope they will listen and see their dentist."

Patient education materials corresponding to the new public awareness campaign are available through your MDA member dentist or by calling the MDA at (800) 589-2632, ext. 417.

Want a Healthy Body? Start with a Health Mouth! See your Michigan Dental Association dentist every six months. And smile on!