The Importance of Dental Health: Why is oral health important? How can it improve people’s lives? This article explores the topic from a number of angles, from the prevention of dental disease to innovative models for access to oral health care in rural communities. Read on to learn more! Listed below are three key aspects of good dental health. 韓国歯科矯正
Importance
The importance of dental health is often overlooked, yet it is incredibly important. Most people are unaware of the relationship between dental health and overall health. Poor oral health can lead to other systemic problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and irritable bowel syndrome. Even worse, gum disease can affect your reproductive health and cause preterm birth in pregnant women. While many patients are unaware of the importance of dental care, the consequences of poor oral health can be serious.
Children are also very susceptible to tooth decay. Tooth decay is a major cause of poor health for children, affecting speech and development, which affects school performance and family life. Children with special health needs are also at a higher risk of developing dental caries and have higher unmet dental care needs. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers information on dental health for children and provides tips for caring for your child’s teeth.
Prevention
Preventive dentistry is a collaborative effort between the dentist and patient to maintain a healthy mouth and natural dentition. This starts with good oral hygiene and a balanced diet, and continues in the dentist’s office with routine cleanings and exams. Preventive dental health treatments can help protect teeth and gums from disease, and are an essential part of general health care. However, these treatments can be expensive, so the best way to protect your mouth is to schedule them regularly.
To protect the teeth from damage from acidic foods and drinks, it is important to floss daily and brush after every meal. Acidic drinks and foods can cause dental erosion, which can lead to tooth sensitivity and pain. If you must drink acidic drinks, use a straw to avoid contact with the teeth. It’s a good idea to go to the dentist every six months to check for tooth decay and gum disease. Visiting a dentist at least twice a year for routine cleanings is also an important part of proper oral health.
Treatment
People with chronic diseases and HIV/AIDS are at higher risk of developing oral problems. Certain drugs used for osteoporosis have also been linked to jaw bone loss, and some eating disorders can make mouth problems worse. Some types of cancers can even compromise oral health. Other immune system disorders can cause dry mouth, such as Sjogren’s syndrome. It is important to seek dental health treatment as soon as possible after symptoms appear. Listed below are some types of dental health care.
CDC has promoted the importance of maintaining good hygiene in public places, especially during the flu season. Wearing a mask while leaving the house and avoiding areas with a high population density is important, as is getting your temperature checked before entering the dental clinic. Social distance guidelines should be posted at dental clinics to ensure that everyone is protected from a potentially infectious virus. In addition to practicing good hygiene, dental clinics should follow certain regulations to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Innovative models to address access to oral healthcare in rural communities
To address this problem, the rural dental workforce needs to be expanded through a variety of models. For instance, recruitment from rural areas may be easier to achieve if rural dental schools offer more opportunities for students and train them in their respective areas. Scholarships and loan repayment programs can also be effective means of expanding the oral healthcare workforce. New types and roles for dental providers may also be created, such as telehealth or mobile clinics.
Teledentistry is one innovative model that aims to improve access to oral healthcare in rural communities by integrating dental care with primary care. Teledentistry involves video consultations, sharing images and records, and remote patient monitoring. This technology can help rural dental practices reach out to more patients while improving the efficiency of care. In addition, 23 states have already explicitly authorized telemedicine services, and most state Medicaid agencies are now able to reimburse for such services. Meanwhile, Utah and Virginia are set to amend their state codes to make telehealth reimbursements easier for rural dentists.