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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico Attacks The Leading Chronic Infectious Disease Among Children

February 2, 2011

At-Risk BCBSNM Kids Receive Free Educational Gift about Tooth Decay during National Children's Dental Health Month.

ALBUQUERQUE, NM (January 28, 2011) – With childhood cavities on the rise for the first time in 20 years, 1 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) is taking a proactive approach to educate kids about oral hygiene. To kick off National Children’s Dental Health Month this February, BCBSNM will mail free activity books to its young members between the ages of three and five who are considered at risk for tooth decay.

"The booklet contains pictures, games, and information to get kids excited about caring for their teeth," said Dr. Timothy Custer, Dental Director for BCBSNM. "The helpful tips address brushing, flossing, diet, and preventive services such as topical fluoride and dental sealants."

Tooth decay affects children in the United States more than any other chronic infectious disease.2 Left untreated, tooth decay leads to pain and infection, making it difficult for children to eat, speak, and learn.

"We've found that poor dental health leads to more serious and costly health concerns later in life," added Dr. Custer. "As a result, these booklets not only help to keep kids healthy, it also helps to control the rising cost of health care."

The activity book, "Fun with Healthy Teeth," is part of BCBSNM's BlueCare Dental ConnectionSM program. Through similar educational outreach efforts in the past, BlueCare Dental Connection has been able to change specific member behavior by as much as 38 percent. As a result, children have made dental appointments to receive periodontal care or dental sealants. Members who might have missed the free booklet in the mail can download a copy.

About the BlueCare Dental Connection Program

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico's unique BlueCare Dental Connection Program is an ongoing, multifaceted educational outreach initiative designed to inform members about the advantages of managing their dental health in preventing more-serious and costly health conditions. Part of this outreach includes a Web application called the Dental Wellness Center, which features Member Tools and information for members considered high-risk for certain conditions that are linked to dental health.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield Of New Mexico

With more than 315,000 members and serving another 100,000 New Mexicans through the nationwide BlueCard® Program, BCBSNM, a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, is the largest customer-owned health insurer in New Mexico. Since 1940, BCBSNM has been committed to promoting the health and wellness of its members and communities through accessible, cost-effective, quality health care. BCBSNM is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

1National Center for Health Statistics
2United States Health and Human Services Department


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