Poor oral hygiene is a common chronic disease affecting billions, and can be especially problematic for those who are experiencing homelessness. Tooth decay and gum disease can significantly affect overall health, causing pain or impairing the ability to eat or speak.  If not addressed, the consequences of oral diseases on health can be severe and linked to serious illnesses like heart  disease and diabetes.  The good news is that many of these conditions are preventable and can be effectively treated through preventive and early treatment.

The Foundation is addressing these critical needs and improving the quality of life through its new Community Smiles program by providing hygiene kits to homeless shelters.  Having basic personal care items, such as toothbrushes, will help improve oral health and can be a vital intervention for those in need.

This program will ultimately provide free dental hygiene kits to over 12,480 homeless shelters in the U.S for those individuals in their facilities. For more information, please contact the Foundation.