Brushing Teeth Could Prevent Dangerous Diseases

Posted: Aug 16, 2012 8:53 AM by Marissa Torres
Updated: Aug 16, 2012 11:21 AM

No one wants to face life without teeth- but that's often what happens when people ignore their oral hygiene.
It's also prompting dozens of health organizations to team up to get kids into good habits early on in life. And it turns out, it just takes 2 minutes, twice a day.

The newly formed partnership, Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives, recently launched their website.

It's full of resources, sing along songs and cartoon videos to help educate families about the importance of brushing teeth on a regular basis.

"Not only are the teeth clean, preventing potentially devastating disease, but the routine of oral health is engrained in every child's heart and soul," says Dr. Joel Berg, President of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Experts say dental decay is the most common chronic childhood disease and affects more than 16 million children throughout the country. Not only can it be deadly, it's also been linked to obesity, diabetes, even heart disease.

"If the level of awareness is raised, the importance of it is raised, we can see a big difference in the results," says Dr.Berg.

All of the cartoons and songs found on the website are 2 minutes long and can be easily downloaded onto a cell phone.

A strategy made possible by the Cartoon Network, Dreamworks and Sesame Street.

Organizers with the coalition say that'll encourage parents to take it into the bathroom or wherever they're brushing their teeth with their kids.