CHICAGO, September 26 – Whether by choice, by culture or by need, grandfamilies are more commonplace with one-in-ten children residing fulltime in their grandparents’ homes. Grandfamilies face unique challenges, including those related to oral health as demonstrated by Oral Health America’s 2016 Public Opinion Poll conducted by Wakefield Research.

Though grandparents may experience increased stress-related issues while raising children children in their homes, 56% also reported that they were more likely to go outside specifically because their child encouraged or influenced them, compared with 43% of parents. Grandparents are working to provide the dental care their children require, while also remaining vibrant and benefiting from their children's influence.

Oral Health America’s Fall for Smiles campaign focuses on the oral health of families, and encourages everyone to spread the word about the positive effects of daily brushing and flossing, regular dental visits, eating a healthy diet and avoiding tobacco products. This year’s campaign highlights “grandfamilies” or kinship care to address the oral health issues that impact young and older generations.

Hu-Friedy supports Fall for Smiles with a free Nevi coloring sheet available for download online. Other free resources include interactive quizzes, brushing chart, and tips for the whole family.

Fall for Smiles is generously sponsored by 3M; Trident; Oral Healthcare Can’t Wait, an initiative of Dental Trade Alliance; Patterson Dental; Hu-Friedy; Midmark Corporation; SciCan, Inc.; Septodont USA; Sunstar Americas, Inc.; Whip Mix Corporation; the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention; National Dental Association; and Crosstex Dentapure.

Learn more about Fall for Smiles at oralhealthamerica.org/fallforsmiles.