Reference no: EM133795462

Question

Oral health is an essential aspect of general health, but there are still inequalities in the availability of dental treatment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that persons belonging to low-income households, racial and ethnic minorities, and rural communities had a lower likelihood of receiving preventative dental treatment and a higher likelihood of experiencing untreated dental illnesses. Such disparities are caused by factors that include insufficient insurance coverage, restricted access to dental professionals, and socioeconomic obstacles. Studies have shown a correlation between inadequate oral hygiene and a range of health problems affecting the entire body. Periodontal disease has been linked to cardiovascular disease, whereas untreated oral infections can result in serious complications, such as sepsis. Furthermore, children who have inadequate oral health are at a higher risk of absenteeism and underachievement in academics, thereby continuing the cycle of poverty and health inequalities.