Did you know that oral illnesses are projected to affect over 3.5 billion individuals? Many people cannot afford the high cost of dental visits.
Most people refer to a lack of dental health as tooth decay or mouth infections, but this is only the beginning. Looking beyond your mouth, there are other impacts of neglecting your oral health.
Today, we will look at the correlation between oral health and inequality. This is what lack of access to dental care looks like and how it affects society. Read and learn more about oral health disparities.
Contents
The Discrepancy in Access
When discussing oral health equity, it is essential to look at the discrepancy in access. This is due to various factors, such as affordability and financial restrictions in accessing services. It is this lack of access that perpetuates inequality.
Many individuals and families lack the means even to secure basic preventive measures such as:
- Fluoride treatments
- Sealants
- Routine examinations
There are also discrepancies in access between privileged and underprivileged care, with some communities not having dental clinics or services. Unless concerted efforts are made to bridge the gap in access, it ensures that everyone has equitable dental care, then oral inequality will remain a reality.
The Impoverished Reality of Oral Inequality
The impoverished reality of oral health inequality is a crucial problem to consider. Oral inequality refers to the disparities found between individuals regarding dental care. This can lead to the decay of the teeth, pain, and even the spread of infection.
This can also lead to even more significant overarching health problems, such as:
- Poor cardiovascular health
- Poor nutrition
- Mental health issues
Ultimately, it is essential to consider the barriers and solutions that this problem can lead to. It is to create solutions through policy reform or the initiation of programs implemented by the local and national governments.
Evaluating the Scope
Inequality in our oral culture has a wide array of implications. People experience structural and interpersonal discrimination in the workplace. It is due to linguistics, or accents are often devalued and treated differently than their peers.
Additionally, those who cannot access information due to language barriers or lack literacy skills often struggle to get ahead, especially in underprivileged communities.
This can lead to negative stereotypes forming and ultimately further marginalizing specific populations.
Finally, those already marginalized due to race may face additional forms of discrimination due to their language. In many cases, people of color may be viewed as uneducated or ghetto if their diction does not align with the dominant white speech culture. This can manifest in several ways, making it essential to evaluate the scope of the issue.
It is essential to consider the availability of resources across different sections of society. They will likely experience worse oral health outcomes than those in more privileged sectors. This is especially the case when it comes to access to necessities.
For example, a lower-income family may find it difficult to afford enough nutritious food. Without access to these resources, individuals are negatively impacted. If you want to reduce oral health disparities, check out these general dentistry treatments.
Understanding Oral Health Disparities
Overall, it is clear that the issue of oral health disparities is complex. Inaction is no longer an option–we must take a stand. Together, we can create a future of true oral equality.
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