The importance of preventive dentistry on the oral health of individuals and the economy in the United States

Abstract

Oral problems are related to the general health of individuals. When not preventively cared for or not treated properly, caries lesions, pain, discomfort, risks of spreading infections throughout the body, which can even lead to hospitalization. The absence of preventive care in oral health increases the chances of tooth loss, reducing the person’s ability to chew and compromising their nutrition. In addition, there is the aesthetic issue, because the person with teeth problems avoids smiling and even avoids interacting socially. The dental problems of a population unable to afford them, economically affect the general health system, since oral diseases refer to the impairment of people’s health, who will resort to formal medical care at some point in their existence. This literature review article featured specialized materials in Oral Health on the reality of low-income North Americans and their oral problems, using articles obtained from Google Scholar. As an objective, it is intended to demonstrate the importance of preventive care for dental health, through educational actions in needy communities, covering people of all ages, especially children. There is a need for specialized care for patients of different ages who are already affected by oral problems, and also about the importance of the efforts and investments of the US government in massive campaigns related to preventive dental care for people of all ages that make up the its poorest population.