HOUSTON – Houston Texans star Brian Cushing met with over 200 underserved Houston youth as part of Colgate's Bright Smiles, Bright Futures oral health initiative.
The kids participated in free dental screenings, music, games and a mass flip-card activity - all designed to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining good oral health habits.
According to a report by the surgeon general, more than 51 million school hours are lost each year due to dental-related illnesses. Children with cavities may have difficulty not only eating, talking and smiling, but also paying attention and learning at school.
The Colgate-Palmolive Company says the Bright Smiles, Bright Futures initiative maintains a fleet of nine dental vans that travel to over 1,000 cities and towns each year, reaching more than 10 million children.
In 26 years, BSBF has provided free dental care to 40 million children in the United States and 850 million children worldwide in 80 countries.