More adults living at 200% of the poverty level or higher had not lost a tooth due to dental disease (52%) compared with those living below 100% of the poverty level (40%). More non-Hispanic black adults aged 65 and over were edentulous (32%) compared with non-Hispanic white adults (22%), whereas only 16% of Mexican-American adults had complete tooth loss. The prevalence of complete tooth loss was more than twice as high for older adults living below 100% of the poverty level (37%) compared with those living at 200% of the poverty level or higher (16%). At the family, friends, and social support level, efforts are needed to better address cultural differences in family decision making and that make use of social network dynamics in intervention approaches (115). Family-based and intergenerational interventions have proven effective in populations with severe oral health care needs, including older racial/ethnic minorities, immigrants, and homeless people (39, 70, 102). At the individual level, more interventions are needed that include less well-studied populations such as Chinese Americans and other Asian subgroups, Indigenous people, rural residents, refugees, and immigrants (23, 37, 100, 115, 127).
**Oral health** is a crucial aspect of overall well-being. In the United States, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for preventing various dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.
Based on emerging data, they offered the American people some early perspective in the form of good and bad news. The good, they proffered, was that “our understanding of oral diseases continues to grow.” And the bad? Too many Americans still suffered from diseases of the mouth, the majority of which were related to oral health disparities.
The State of Oral Health in the United States
The screening was a fast and simple process by which an examiner visually inspected the oral cavity to detect the presence or absence of specific oral conditions. Overall examiner reliability findings indicated that health technologist performance was excellent. Additional information regarding the 2005–2008 oral health screening and quality assurance issues are published elsewhere (5). Always talk with your primary health care professional before you participate in a clinical study. A registered dietitian can provide medical nutrition therapy, which includes counseling to help you create and follow a meal plan. Your health care team may be able to recommend other resources, such as a healthy lifestyle coach, to help you with making changes.
During pregnancy, shifts in hormonal, immunologic, and vascular function can exacerbate gingival inflammation and increase susceptibility to periodontal disease (7, 73). Although there are more oral health providers in the United States than in 2000, about 60 million Americans live in areas (mostly rural) where there are too few dentists to meet local needs. Every region of the country has shortage areas, but rural areas account for more than two-thirds of these, and only about half of dental needs are being met for people in these areas. Some populations, such as those served by the Indian Health Service, have particularly acute shortages.
Department of Veterans Affairs, are taking advantage of clinic co-location to promote medical-dental integration, including a fully integrated EHR. Fortunately, over the past 20 years, some progress has been made to integrate oral health care into primary health care, she said. For example, providing preventive dental care in a pediatrician’s office has improved oral health care access for children. The same approach—offering oral health assessments and preventive care in a primary health care setting, rather than exclusively in a dental office—could benefit adults as well. Untreated caries was significantly higher among adults aged 20–64 living in poverty (42%) compared with those living at 200% of the poverty level or higher (17%). Dental restoration prevalence was significantly lower for adults living in poverty (72%) compared with those living at 200% of the poverty level or higher (89%).
In recent years, there has been a significant improvement in the oral health of Americans. However, disparities still exist, particularly among marginalized communities and low-income individuals who may not have access to proper dental care.
The absence of shared information systems between dentistry and medicine in support of clinical decision making for patients with dental pain, mental health disorders, and SUDs is a critical shortcoming. In situations where comorbidities can determine health outcomes, integrated health records become essential for providing person-centered care. Notwithstanding this context, oral health care providers are well positioned both to identify symptoms and to provide support for addressing problems of substance use. Ensuring that they are prepared to offer the support that is needed means including mental health and substance use in the curricula for training oral health professionals. Similar attention needs to be given to education related to mental health and its impact on oral health.
Common Oral Health Concerns
- Poor oral hygiene habits
- Cavities and tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Missing teeth
Preventive Measures for Better Oral Health
Regular dental check-ups, daily brushing and flossing, and a healthy diet are crucial for maintaining good oral health. Additionally, avoiding tobacco products and limiting sugary foods and drinks can help prevent dental issues.
Frequently Asked Questions about Oral Health
- How often should I visit the dentist for a check-up?
- What are the signs of gum disease?
- Is it important to floss every day?
By prioritizing **oral health** and practicing good dental hygiene habits, Americans can ensure a healthy and bright smile for years to come.
