Global Smiles: Understanding the Importance of Oral Health
- TJTHL McMaster
- Mar 26
- 2 min read
Why is Oral Health Important?
Oral diseases affect nearly 3.5 billion people globally.
Poor oral health can lead to pain, discomfort, and social isolation
Linked to other serious health issues, including heart disease and diabetes.
Current Global Oral Health Issues
Untreated dental caries (tooth decay) affect 2.5 billion people.
Severe periodontal (gum) disease impacts 1 billion individuals.
Oral cancer affects approximately 380,000 people annually.
Barriers to Oral Health Care Access
Approximately 21% of Canadians reside in rural areas, yet only 11% of dentists practice in these regions, leading to significant disparities in access to dental care.
Nearly one-third of Canadians lack dental insurance, with this figure rising to 50% among lower-income individuals, making dental care unaffordable for many.
24% of Canadians aged 12 and older avoided visiting an oral health professional in the past 12 months due to cost, highlighting financial barriers to dental care.
High costs and lack of insurance limit access to dental care for many.
Rural and underserved communities face significant disparities in oral health services.
Importance of Raising Awareness
Educating communities can prevent most oral diseases.
Awareness leads to early detection and treatment, reducing healthcare costs.
Promotes policies that ensure equitable access to oral health services.
Simple Steps for Better Oral Hygiene
Brush teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Floss regularly to remove plaque between teeth.
Visit a dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
References
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Celebrating smiles for World Oral Health Day. World Economic Forum. (n.d.). https://www.weforum.org/stories/2022/03/oral-health-day/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Health Disparities in oral health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/health-equity/index.html
Commentary: Filling the gaps: Why Canada still needs a public dental health plan. U of G News. (2024, April 12). https://news.uoguelph.ca/2022/04/filling-the-gaps-why-canada-still-needs-a-public-dental-health-plan/
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