National Dental Hygiene Month

When it comes to good health many of us tend to forget that good health includes good oral health. Oral health, or dental health, should not be viewed as a separate entity from general overall health as is so often done. Several studies have linked oral infections and inflammation to lung and heart diseases as well as diabetes. Periodontitis, a form of gum disease, has even been linked with premature births and low-birth-weight babies. Many medications such as anti-depressants, antihistamines, and painkillers can also affect oral health by limiting the amount of saliva which helps to protect teeth from certain bacteria that can lead to diseases. When visiting the dentist make sure to update them on what medications you are taking as well as any changes in your health. While some of us have the privilege of accessing dental care and have it part of our health insurance coverage, many find what dental insurance they do have is limited in its coverage or it may not even be part of the insurance benefit offered by employers. The number of dental health facilities is no where near enough in many parts of the country but more so in rural areas. NPR recently broadcasted a story last month regarding this lack of dental services. One fact that was reported besides the lack of dental facilities was that many dentist do not accept Medicaid patients. According to the American Community Survey the poverty rate for those in rural areas is three percent higher than that of urban poverty. Â...
Source: Dragonfly - Category: Databases & Libraries Authors: Tags: Health Literacy/Consumer Health Health Observances Source Type: news