If my mother knew how tooth decay develops, she would have better protected her teeth, and those of her children. If my mother knew that sugar from rapadous (a Haitian treat) had the capacity to generate cavities, she would have warned us and would have forced us to limit this incessant coming and going to the merchants. If my mother knew that preventing tooth decay was possible, she would have taken steps to stop them when they first appeared. If my mother could If my mother could visit a dentist, she would have avoided the complications that followed her broken tooth and this lifelong disability. If my mother could, she would have taken us to the dentist for preventive care. If my mother could, she would have taken us to the dentist at the first symptoms and avoided multiple future extractions. If my mother could, she would have purchased toothpaste containing therapeutic doses of fluoride and better-quality toothbrushes for herself and her children.

If the state knew that children in school need oral health information from an early age If the state knew adults need oral health knowledge. If the state knew that teachers need more oral health information and the tools to share it. If the state knew sugar in processed foods cause cavities. If the state knew fluoride can effectively prevent tooth decay. If the state knew that there is a therapeutic fluoride dose for toothpaste. If the state wanted to offer a national dental caries prevention program. If the state wanted to protect children's teeth from cavities If the state wanted to limit the sugar in manufactured foods. If the state wanted to tax consumer products with high sugar content more. If the state wanted to consider the oral health of the population as a priority.

Linda Lubin, co-founder