Poor oral health is a significant problem in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four adults has an untreated cavity. More than 80% of people will have at least one cavity by age 34. What’s more alarming is how this proportion varies among different demographics.
The impact of poor oral health goes beyond bad teeth. Poor dental hygiene can lead to chronic pain, difficulty eating, and self-esteem problems. Continuously neglecting your teeth, gums, and dental routine can also lead to more serious consequences like heart disease, diabetes, and a decline in brain health.
It’s important to reduce the impact of poor oral health — and the inequalities that come with it. Solutions include affordable dental care, community water treatment facilities, and school-based curriculums.
The various disparities in oral health
Despite recent progress, certain populations continue to face significant obstacles in receiving oral health treatment. These disparities can be driven by factors like income, location, education, race/ethnicity, and age.
Here are some of the most striking disparities in modern oral health:
- African American and Mexican American populations experience higher rates of untreated dental damage and periodontitis, compared to non-Hispanic white Americans.
- African American and Hispanic populations have lower dental insurance coverage rates, compared to non-Hispanic white Americans.
- American Indian and Alaska Native adults face the highest rates for total tooth loss and untreated dental caries, compared to other racial groups.
- Children between the ages of 6 and 19 from low-income households are 15% less likely to get sealants, and twice as likely to have untreated cavities, compared with children from higher-income families.
- Adults 65 and older have higher tooth-loss rates, compared to younger age groups.
- Rural populations are less likely to have dental insurance, and more likely to have untreated dental issues, compared to urban populations.
- Residents of some Southern and Appalachian regions of the United States experience higher oral cancer rates, compared to other regions.
These disparities persist in the United States. They affect certain populations more than others, and leave many at a disadvantage in accessing basic health resources.
The unequal landscape of oral healthcare
Several different factors contribute to the unequal landscape of oral healthcare in the United States. Together, these factors can make it more difficult — sometimes impossible — for certain populations to access reliable health care.
Here are some of the factors that contribute to these disparities:
- Lack of dental insurance, particularly for low-income families and ethnic minorities.
- Varying levels of Medicaid dental coverage across different states.
- Lack of comprehensive dental coverage from Medicare.
- Concentrations of dental practices in urban areas, without sufficient coverage for rural communities.
- Uneven distribution of in-school dental screenings and school sealant programs.
Oral health disparities arise from a complicated set of factors. Socioeconomic status, race and ethnicity, age, and location can all affect a person’s access to reliable treatment.
The impacts of untreated oral health problems
Untreated oral health problems can seriously impact physical and mental health, communication, education, and career trajectory.
Here are some other ways untreated dental problems can affect life:
- Poor oral health has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other conditions.
- Inflammation in the mouth, particularly through gum disease, has been linked to inflammation in other parts of the body.
- These same problems are also linked to a range of chronic diseases, including respiratory disease and osteoporosis.
- Oral health challenges can make it more difficult to communicate effectively.
- Children with tooth pain or other issues may miss school due to discomfort. This can decrease their academic performance and reduce the potential for educational advancement.
- Adults with poor oral health may experience challenges in finding and retaining employment — or advancing in their careers.
- Dental problems can negatively impact self-esteem, socialization habits, and overall well-being.
The consequences of poor oral health can affect nearly every phase of life. Addressing these problems can have a directly positive effect on wellness and quality of life.
Possible solutions to oral health disparities
Addressing disparities in oral health will require a comprehensive approach, including expanded access to affordable dental care, tools that help people find care, and equal representation in dental care. Solutions should also address social determinants that affect health outcomes across every population.
Expand education on oral health
Many people lack the knowledge to maintain good oral health. This can lead to bad habits and create lasting problems. Education is a great first step in improving outcomes in health awareness and action. It can also help people understand different options when paying for dental care.
Increasing education gives people an active role in their own well-being. This can encourage preventative treatment before issues arise or grow worse. These habits are often simple, like brushing teeth and flossing, but are important over time.
Provide tools to help people find care
Technology can further improve people’s access to reliable oral health care. For example, telehealth and tele-dentistry can provide dental consultations and remote treatment for people in urban locations. Remote telehealth dental appointments can make it easier for underserved populations to visit a dentist.
Education can also help people access dental care. People deserve education about available dental services — what they are, how much they cost, and how they can improve quality of life. This same education can offer information on dental insurance and help people navigate the healthcare system to find valuable resources.
Encourage more equal representation in dental care
Racial disparities still persist in the dental profession. The lack of diversity in dental communities is well-documented. Racial and ethnic minorities, and individuals from low-income backgrounds, are underrepresented in the field. This lack of diversity can lead to reduced cultural competency and reduce community access to dental care.
One way to address this lack of diversity is to increase recruitment of underrepresented individuals. This can include intentional outreach to individuals from diverse backgrounds. It might also include scholarships or other financial incentives that make education possible for traditionally underrepresented populations.
Another approach includes improving cultural training for dental professionals. This would help members of the dental community better understand diverse patient populations.
Push for new policies
Medicare and other policies play an important role in promoting equal access to health services. Today, many employers do not consider dental care an essential right for their workforce. This can make it more difficult for employees of all backgrounds to receive the treatment they need. Registering dental care as an essential service under U.S. health care policy could help address that disparity.
Other policies could increase funding for community health centers that offer dental services. These centers often serve low-income families in underrepresented areas. This process could involve increasing the number of grants available to community health centers. It could also incentivize local dentists to work with members of underserved communities.
Policies that regulate tax incentives could also incentivize dentists to work with underserved communities. This could involve providing tax credits for dentists who work in underserved areas. Loan repayment programs could also cover debts for dentists who commit to working in certain areas for a particular amount of time.
Keep improving technology
Affordable dental care can sometimes be hard to find. Technology offers strong potential to make dental care more accessible, particularly to people living in remote geographic areas.
Tele-dentistry can help patients connect with dental professionals through the internet, creating opportunities for virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring. Digital health records achieve the same goal, allowing dental specialists to collect, protect, and share patient information with other healthcare professionals.
Technology also allows for online dental marketplaces. These websites can help people pay for a dentist without dental insurance. You can compare prices and dental service quality across multiple dentists, to find an affordable office for you and your family.
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