* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Cohen
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Children’s Dental Health
For the purpose of recognizing the importance of good dental health for children and supporting efforts to improve oral health literacy in underserved communities and throughout Baltimore.
body
Recitals
Whereas, Dental caries is the most common chronic disease found in children. Left untreated, tooth decay can cause pain and infections as well as problems eating, speaking, and learning.
Whereas, In the United States, more than 16 million children go each year without seeing a dentist.
Whereas, Low income and minority children, especially those of Latino background, are disproportionately affected by poor oral health and have a greater number of untreated cavities.
Whereas, Latino children in Maryland are less likely to visit the dentist and more likely to lack dental insurance than are white children.
Whereas, An oral health literate and educated public is more empowered to embrace healthy oral hygiene and dietary behaviors and to make and keep dental appointments.
Whereas, The Maryland Dental Action Coalition is building oral health awareness and knowledge within the Latino community by running the Dientes Sanos, Niños Sanos (Healthy Teeth, Healthy Kids) campaign promoting good oral health habits.
Whereas, Brushing twice daily for two minutes using toothpaste with fluoride, flossing daily, having routine check-ups, drinking tap water if your community water system or private well has fluoride in it, and eating a diet low in sugary foods and drinks help prevent tooth decay.
Whereas, Baltimore City is pleased to join with the, Maryland Dental Action Coalition, the American Dental Association, and the Maryland Dental Action Coalition’s Dientes Sanos, Niños Sanos (Healthy Teeth Healthy Kids) campaign targeting Latino families to promote good oral health through evidence based messages communicated through proven social marketing channels, community outreach, and educational websites.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, that the Council recognizes the importance of good dental health for children and supports efforts to improve oral health literacy in underserved communities and throughout Baltimore.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Health Commissioner, and the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison to the City Council.