Good Oral Health Benefits Everyone
Good Oral Health Helps Children Succeed
Spokane founded the Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD) Program, connecting low-income children with dentists trained in working with young children. It is a recognized model across Washington State.
According to the 2015 Spokane County Smile Survey, even with this exceptional program, Elementary age children from low-income families were significantly more likely to have decay experience than those from families with higher incomes.
In Spokane County, despite improvements, the level of tooth decay in preschool and elementary school students is unacceptably high.
Tooth decay (cavities) is one of the most common chronic conditions of childhood
Nearly 12% of preschoolers have untreated tooth decay
22% of preschoolers have a history of decay on 7 or more teeth.
Poor oral health can have a detrimental effect on children’s quality of life, their performance at school, and their success later in life. [1]
Good Oral Health in Adulthood
Oral health is critical to our overall health as we age. An individual’s oral health status may impact or be impacted by other health conditions. According to a survey conducted, in 2010, by the Spokane Regional Health District: [2]
6% of people with diabetes surveyed had lost all their teeth, compared to 4.2% of those without diabetes.
21% of adults whom have had a heart attack have all their teeth versus 65% of those who had not experienced a heart attack.
1 in 3 Spokane County adults have lost one or more teeth to decay; 5% have lost all their teeth. [3]
Good Oral Health is Important for Everyone
Regardless of age, the benefits of good oral health are significant. The Centers for Disease Control states that, “Oral health affects our ability to speak, smile, eat, and show emotions. It also affects self-esteem, school performance, and attendance at work and school. Oral diseases—which range from cavities to gum disease to oral cancer—cause pain and disability for millions of Americans. They also cost taxpayers billions of dollars each year.”
In today’s economy, appearance matters. “The problems go beyond health. People with bad teeth can be stigmatized, both in social settings and in finding employment. Studies document that we make judgments about one another — including about intelligence — according to the aesthetics of teeth and mouth.”
Learn more about the importance of oral health.
[1] Kwan SY, Petersen PE, Pine CM, Borutta A. 2005. Health-promoting schools: an opportunity for oral health promotion. Bulletin of the World Health Organization. 83(9):677–685.
[2] Spokane Regional Health District. Healthy Smile, Healthy Life. Improving Oral Health in Spokane County. October 2010
[3] Spokane Regional Health District. Ten Things You Need to Know About Oral Health in Spokane County. November 2010
