Pearly whites face off in Smile Contest

Newborns to 16-year-olds are invited to compete in the 21st annual WDA Smile Contest at the Wisconsin State Fair presented by U.S. Cellular on Friday, Aug. 8.

Prizes are presented to first, second and third place winners in each of the seven age categories. There’s even a special “tin grin” competition for kids with braces. The first 300 participants take home a collection of personal oral health products and educational items.

Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Jeffrey Scott® Activity Stage presented by 99.1 WMYX in the Wisconsin Exposition Center. Kids can have their picture taken for a commemorative photo button and get temporary tattoos. A fun “Flossy La Tooth” show takes the stage at noon to teach kids the value of good oral health habits before contest judging gets underway at 1 p.m.

Back to school dental exams
Summer break began only a few weeks ago and yet back to school promotions and sales are already starting to appear. The WDA reminds you to include a dental exam as part of your child’s back-to-school health check-ups and immunizations.

Dental exams are just as important to good health as annual physicals. This is supported by growing evidence that dental health is linked to a person’s overall physical well-being. Tooth decay, if left untreated, can have serious consequences. In rare cases, an abscessed tooth can lead to a life-threatening condition.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report a rise in tooth decay in baby teeth among children two to five-years-old. Children with untreated dental problems can have trouble concentrating in class and learning. That’s why a dental exam is an important part of the back-to-school routine.