Posted: May 8th, 2022

Dental & Oral Health in United States

Dental & Oral Health in United States
Dental and oral health is significant in maintaining overall body health. It comprises of not only brushing and flossing but also checkups from the dentist, failure to which can lead to oral and dental diseases such as cavities. In the United States, close to 26% of adults have untreated tooth decays, while 9% have serious gum diseases.
Consumption of tobacco and unhealthy lifestyles are the highest contributing factors to oral problems. A study conducted by Gallup Well-being revealed that close to a third of American adults had not visited a dentist in the past year. Rich people went for checkups more compared to those from low-income households.
Married couples also visited health facilities for dental checkups more than the widowed and single people. Several problems hinder people from accessing quality oral health in medical facilities, the dominant one being lack of medical insurance. Women are more concerned about their oral health than men.
The prevalence of oral- related illnesses varies depending on race and ethnicity. More black men suffer from untreated tooth decays compared to white men. Oral cancer, the seventh most common type of cancer in American men, is more prevalent among black males. Also, Hispanic and non-Hispanic black children suffer from tooth decays more than non-Hispanic white children.
People living in areas with water fluoride have lesser chances of developing cavities. The Affordable care Act has improved dental care among children, as it includes dental care benefits. Support for healthy lifestyles to reduce obesity has also played a vital role in improving oral health; people can now take proper diets that sustain healthy teeth.
Oral health is vital. Lack of adequate care for the teeth can lead to the spread of bacteria leading to illness development. Every person is required to visit a dentist each year for a dental checkup. Expectant mothers should be cautious as poor oral health can lead to a pre-term.
The center of disease control has developed programs that support the improvement of oral health. Poor oral hygiene can lead to the loss of teeth; close to 46% of adults above 30 years in America show signs of gum diseases. Gum diseases and cavities are the leading cause of tooth loss. That is because they expose the root of the teeth to pathogens. Oral health worsens as one age; the reason being saliva production reduces, and gums recede. Statistics show that more seniors attend health facilities for checkups.

References
Dye, B. A., Tan, S., Smith, V., Barker, L. K., Thornton-Evans, G., Eke, P. I., & Beltrán-Aguilar, E. D. (2007). Trends in oral health status; United States, 1988-1994 and 1999-2004.
Dye, B. A., Li, X., & Thornton-Evans, G. (2012). Oral health disparities as determined by selected healthy people 2020 oral health objectives for the United States, 2009-2010 (No. 100). US Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics.

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