Rep. Clack offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 8.

A resolution to commemorate February 2, 2007, as Give Kids a Smile Day in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, In 1943, the annual observance of Children’s Dental Health Day began in Cleveland, Ohio.  This day was envisioned as a day to provide oral health care and education to a large number of low-income and disadvantage children.  It also serves to inform policy makers of the on-going challenges that low-income and disadvantaged children face in accessing dental care.  Michigan’s lowest income children are the most susceptible to poor oral hygiene due to a lack of education and access to quality dental health care; and

Whereas, We know that to live a healthy life we must exercise, eat in moderation, and visit the doctor and the dentist regularly.  Many of us do not practice all of the above, especially routine dentist visits.  Many Americans do not view oral health as a component of their entire health program.  Oral health means much more than healthy teeth, and it contributes a great deal to our well-being and general health.  We need to reinforce that good dental health habits are learned early.  This idea must be reinforced throughout life. The importance of having a healthy mouth is frequently overlooked; and

Whereas, The Chronic Disease Center reports that “cavities are a common problem which begin at an early age. Tooth decay affects nearly one-fifth of two-to-four-year-olds, more than half of eight-year-olds, and more than three-fourths of 17-year-olds.”  The way we take care of our mouth affects the rest of our body.  The Michigan Primary Care Association reported that an individual’s chronic disease severity, such as diabetes is correlated with the health of his/her mouth.  This is due to the sugar deposits from the food and beverage consumed remain in the gums and on the teeth surface for a long period of time.  These sugar deposits travel through the rest of the body and will contribute to health problems.  The solution is regular dental cleanings and proper dental hygiene. Although that solution is not simple for the low-income, uninsured, or underinsured population; and

Whereas, One of the best ways to educate children about visits to the dentist and maintaining good oral hygiene is to familiarize them with the fundamentals of proper dental care. It is essential that our children learn the importance of brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and having regular dental check-ups; and

Whereas, A national day dedicated to educating children on the importance of oral health has afforded us an opportunity to break bad dental habits that are learned at an early age.  Good oral health is the best protection against cavities, tooth decay and gingivitis; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body commemorate February 2, 2007, as Give Kids a Smile Day in the state of Michigan. We honor the contributions it is making to educate American children on good oral hygiene by naming; and be it further

Resolved, That we honor and join other organizations throughout the state and this country as they use this occasion to contribute to our citizens living healthier lives; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the American Dental Association and local dental associations throughout the state of Michigan.