Preventable dental health problems including tooth decay and gum disease remain widespread in New York, and indeed across the globe. Without preventive care or proper treatment, cavities and periodontal disease progressively erode your oral health and contribute to systemic health ailments.
CDC Seeks to Strengthen Oral Health Programs
The states participating in the CDC initiative will collectively receive $3 million over two years to strengthen bonds between chronic disease and oral health programs. According to an American Dental Association (ADA) report, each state will target different connections between common oral health problems such as tooth decay and gum disease, and chronic diseases including diabetes and hypertension.
“The ultimate goal of these projects is to improve the public’s health by, for example, improving prevention and control of severe gum disease…,” said Casey Hannan of the CDC’s Division of Oral Health in the ADA article. Some chronic diseases, including diabetes and high blood pressure, have direct links to untreated periodontal disease.
New York will focus in part on a campaign to promote healthy beverages over soda and sugary sports drinks. The campaign will target teens, who are vulnerable to both the marketing efforts of soft-drink makers, and the dental damage these beverages can cause.
Oral Health: A New York State of Mind
It can be easy to take your teeth and gums for granted, especially if you engage in a healthy diet and brush your teeth at least twice daily. But many New Yorkers, children and adults alike, suffer from oral health problems that threaten the appearance of their smiles and their overall well-being.
Consider these observations from the state’s most recent comprehensive dental health review, The Impact of Oral Disease in New York State:
- 54 percent of New York third-graders had cavities, with 33 percent going untreated
- 27 percent of the state’s third-graders had not visited a dentist in the prior year
- 28 percent of New York adults had not visited a dentist in the 12 months prior
- 44 percent of New Yorkers between the ages of 35 and 44 have had at least one tooth extracted due to oral disease
- 17 percent of New York residents between the ages of 65 and 74 have lost all of their teeth
The state analysis notes that New York has dentist-to-population ratio that is well above the national average. The great dental care available in the state is enhanced by multiple, state-accredited dental hygiene programs.
Rockland County cosmetic dentist Dr. Mark Dunayer is dedicated to helping patients achieve and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. If you’re seeking experienced, compassionate dental care in the West Nyack area, please call B & D Dental Excellence today at (845) 627-7645.
