Dentist Alpharetta: Public Perception of Oral Health Care

Perception always seems to trump reality.  And the perception of oral health as it relates to one’s global health are as misaligned as teeth are in Great Britain.  The American Dental Association, in collaboration with Crest and Oral-B conducted a national public opinion survey of 1,000 Americans age 18 and older[1] on oral health care and,

here are some of their findings:[2]

1. While eight of 10 Americans say taking care of one’s mouth, teeth and gums is “absolutely needed,” only one-third of them say they do an “excellent” job  taking care of them.
2. One parent in four says his or her kids do only a “fair” or “poor” job taking care of their own mouth, teeth and gums.
3. Americans deem the smile the most important physical attribute but do not realize a beautiful smile is not always a healthy smile and can mask underlying oral health problems.  More than one in three Americans say:

• They think a little bleeding from brushing is normal (33%), yet it’s not.  It could be a sign of gum disease or something even worse.
• They are unaware that periodontal disease needs to be treated and cannot be left alone (33%).
• They don’t know that poor oral health has been associated with serious health conditions such as stroke, heart disease and diabetes (37%).

It’s apparent and disappointing that Americans in these segments of the population need continued oral health education beyond high school.   One of the difficulties dentists face is the failure of our education system to bridge the gap where parental responsibility fails in teaching children the relationship of their oral health to global health[3].

If we can answer any of your questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

http://www.rightsmilecenter.com

 

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[1] Apparently with emphasis on African Americans, Hispanics and low-income Americans.

[2] http://www.crest.com/ada-webcast/pressrelease.pdf. Conducted by GFK Roper Public Affairs & Media, 2008

[3] http://www.crest.com/ada-webcast/surveyfindings.pdf

 

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