National Dental Hygiene Month

Posted by Carolyn Martin on October 12th, 2016 Posted in: Health Literacy, Health Observances

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When it comes to good health many of us tend to forget that good health includes good oral health. Oral health, or dental health, should not be viewed as a separate entity from general overall health as is so often done. Several studies have linked oral infections and inflammation to lung and heart diseases as well as diabetes. Periodontitis, a form of gum disease, has even been linked with premature births and low-birth-weight babies. Many medications such as anti-depressants, antihistamines, and painkillers can also affect oral health by limiting the amount of saliva which helps to protect teeth from certain bacteria that can lead to diseases. When visiting the dentist make sure to update them on what medications you are taking as well as any changes in your health.

While some of us have the privilege of accessing dental care and have it part of our health insurance coverage, many find what dental insurance they do have is limited in its coverage or it may not even be part of the insurance benefit offered by employers. The number of dental health facilities is no where near enough in many parts of the country but more so in rural areas. NPR recently broadcasted a story last month regarding this lack of dental services. One fact that was reported besides the lack of dental facilities was that many dentist do not accept Medicaid patients. According to the American Community Survey the poverty rate for those in rural areas is three percent higher than that of urban poverty.  The 2011-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey also reports that adults ages 20-64 91% had dental caries and 27% had untreated tooth decay. The percentage of untreated tooth decay was much higher for Hispanics and African Americans. The health disparities for many under-served populations is alarming and more efforts need to be made to address this issue.

Schools, faith communities, public libraries, and other community organizations can offer help on the front lines by offering information, dental hygiene products such as toothpaste and tooth brushes, and coordinating efforts to bring dental health to their communities through dental health coordinators.

MedlinePlus offers basic information about dental health as well as other related topics.

NIH National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research provides information for both consumers and dental professionals at http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/

To learn more about Community Dental Health Coordinators check with the American Dental Association at  http://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/action-for-dental-health/community-dental-health-coordinators