Oral health is critical to overall health and wellbeing, yet is often neglected when people consider their physical and mental wellbeing. And while good oral health for everyone brings high benefits to society, the costs of poor oral health are felt most acutely by those living in communities that are marginalized, impacting their health and livelihood.
As a worldwide leader in oral health and wellbeing, and with the Colgate brand in more homes than any other, Colgate-Palmolive is committed to reimagining a healthier future for all by contributing to and deepening its support to address the global oral health crisis that has far-reaching and significant consequences. In 1991, the company introduced Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® (BSBF), which aims to drive health equity and provide opportunities for children and their families to have optimal oral health and well-being. The program has now reached over 1.6 billion children and their families in more than 100 countries around the world.
BSBF provides education, health promotion and prevention, and increased access to dental services to communities, as well as the products and resources that children and families need to implement healthy habits into their everyday lives. The program partners with schools, ministries of health and education, professional health organizations and teacher associations, leading Colgate to be recognized for its leadership and innovation in promoting sustainability, good health and education outcomes, and community wellbeing.
BSBF is tailored to fit the needs of the over 100 countries where it is active. In the United States, its work is supported by a fleet of mobile health units, which travel to over 1,000 communities and reach over 20 million children and families per year. The mobile units partner with school districts and non-governmental organizations to provide health education, free dental screenings and treatment referrals to children who are underserved. When children see a mobile van, they know they are not only getting help with learning healthy habits and reading, but will have fun along the way.
BSBF also works with communities to plan and implement public health initiatives. In the Philippines, Colgate has worked with local governments to develop public health programs that focus on health promotion and chronic disease prevention for children. As a result, these efforts have gained widespread recognition with public health officials, leading to BSBF being recognised as the policy framework for children’s oral health in municipalities across the country.
And in the Republic of Kenya, BSBF is proud to work collaboratively with the Ministry of Health to teach nurses and mothers about the effects that poor oral health can have on babies and children. BSBF educates and trains nurses to become advocates for good oral health, fostering positive change in communities, and ensuring a healthier future for generations to come.
