NORWALK, CONN., Feb. 17, 2006 - Since February is National Children's Dental Health Month, an emerging health care discount service called HealthSaver can help you and your child brush up on a healthy smile without taking a bite our of your wallet.

The American Dental Association held the first national observance of Children's Dental Health Day on Feb. 8, 1949. This single day observance became a week-long event in 1955. And in 1981, the program was extended to a month-long celebration known today as National Children’s Dental Health Month.



HealthSaver is joining in the fight against cavities and promoting the benefits of a healthy smile. HealthSaver offers its members discounts of 10 to 35 percent off usual and customary fees for dental care services at some 42,000 participating provider locations nationwide, including routine cleanings, X-rays, fillings, orthodontics, and even popular cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening.

"Good dental health practices begin during childhood, and what better way to get your kids to brush-up on proper oral hygiene and combat tooth decay than during National Children's Dental Health Month," said HealthSaver Vice President Lorien Saumier. "The secrets to a lifelong bright smile start with the first tooth at an early age - habits that will improve their overall health."



Despite recent improvements in dental care in the United States, tooth decay is still one of the most common childhood diseases, according to the ADA. It is five times as common as asthma in 5-17-year-olds, according to the association. And, it affects more than one fifth of American children aged 2-4, half of those aged 6-8 and nearly 60 percent of those aged 15, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

Here are tips from the experts at HealthSaver, and recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists and the American Dental Association:

1. A Good Cleaning. Your child may think they're old enough to brush their own teeth, but until they reach the age of six, make sure to take command and brush their teeth for them at least twice a day, using a pea-sized amount of ADA-approved toothpaste. After age six, continue to supervise brushing to make sure they reach every tooth and brush properly. Tooth care starts with the first tooth - brush your baby's gums and emerging teeth gently after each feeding with a toothbrush designed for infants and toddlers.


2. Visit your Dentist. Visit a dentist as soon as your baby's first tooth appears and no later than age one. Book routine visits for professional cleanings and check-ups as recommended by your child's dentist. Your baby's first teeth are beautiful and cavity free; regular visits can help keep them that way and could save you a lot on dental care.


3. Drink Fluoridated Water. Water fluoridation can prevent up to 40 percent of tooth decay. Drinking water with fluoride is still the easiest and most effective way to fight tooth decay. If you're among the 40 percent of families without optimal levels of fluoridation in your municipal tap or well water, talk to your dentist about fluoridation options. If you prefer your kids drink bottled water, be aware that not all waters contain optimal fluoride levels and make sure it's clearly labeled "with fluoride."


4. Don't Forget in Between. A toothbrush can't get into every nook and cranny so it's important to floss. You will have to floss for them; it's the only way to reach lingering food particles lurking between your child's teeth.


5. Eat Well. Make sure your child eats a balanced diet, stays hydrated, and seeks healthy options for between-meal snacks. Do not put your child to bed with a bottle containing anything but water, and encourage use of a cup as their first birthday approaches.

About HealthSaver

HealthSaver offers discounts of 20 percent on vision care, as well as discounts of 10 to 50 percent on prescriptions, 20 percent off complementary and alternative health care treatments and fitness club benefits at participating pharmacies and facilities. Members can also save from 5 to 50 percent off vitamins and supplements by mail. All discounts are based upon reasonable and customary costs or manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP) and are only available from participating providers. HealthSaver is not an insurance product or service. More information about HealthSaver is available online at www.healthsaver.com or toll free by calling 1-800-7HEALTH (1-800-743-2584). HealthSaver is offered by Affinion Group, a leader in the membership, insurance, value added checking and loyalty marketing businesses, providing products and services that touch the lives of millions of Americans.

About Affinion Group

Affinion Group is a leading affinity direct marketer of value-added membership, insurance and package enhancement programs and services to consumers. With more than 30 years of experience, Affinion Group currently offers its programs and services worldwide through more than 4,500 affinity partners. Its diversified base of affinity partners includes leading companies in a wide variety of industries, including financial services, retail, travel, telecommunications, utilities and Internet. Affinion Group also has a growing loyalty solutions operation which administers points-based loyalty programs. Based in Norwalk, Conn., Affinion Group has approximately 3,600 employees throughout the United States and in 13 countries across Europe.

About Affinion Group
As a global leader with almost 40 years of experience, Affinion Group (www.affinion.com) enhances the value of its partners' customer relationships by developing and marketing loyalty solutions. Leveraging its expertise in customer engagement, product development and targeted marketing, Affinion provides programs in subscription-based lifestyle services, personal protection, insurance and other areas to help generate increased customer loyalty and significant incremental revenue for more than 5,550 marketing partners worldwide, including many of the largest and most respected companies in financial services, retail, travel, and Internet commerce. Based in Stamford, Conn., the company has approximately 4,250 employees and markets in 17 countries globally. Affinion holds the prestigious ISO 27001 certification for the highest information security practices, is PCI compliant and Cybertrust certified.

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