Oral Health
Oral diseases are often called a neglected or silent epidemic. They are largely due to social injustice in which private wealth overrides the public’s health. Although oral diseases affect almost everyone, prevention of them and access to dental services have not been high priorities in the United S...
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| Published in | Social Injustice and Public Health |
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| Main Authors | , , |
| Format | Book Chapter |
| Language | English |
| Published |
Oxford University Press
01.08.2013
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| Online Access | Get full text |
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| Summary: | Oral diseases are often called a neglected or silent epidemic. They are largely due to social injustice in which private wealth overrides the public’s health. Although oral diseases affect almost everyone, prevention of them and access to dental services have not been high priorities in the United States. This chapter, after defining oral health, describes the neglected epidemic of oral diseases and then discusses the roles that the food and tobacco industries play in contributing to oral disease and poor oral health. Although organized dentistry has done much to improve oral health, it has also limited access to dental care for millions of Americans. The chapter discusses health literacy and social inequality, national issues concerning oral health, state and local issues, school programs, the dental public health infrastructure, and the dental workforce. It discusses what needs to be done. A textbox addresses oral health in developing countries. |
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| ISBN: | 0199939225 9780199939220 |
| DOI: | 10.1093/med/9780199939220.003.0020 |