Dental Health
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a quarter of people over the age of 60 have lost all of their teeth. Advanced gum disease affects up to 15 percent of adults, and an estimated 31,000 people were diagnosed with oral cancer in 2006. But the CDC also says “almost all oral diseases can be prevented.” This guide provides resources to help adults and children care for their teeth and mouth.
Expand All Guide SectionsWhat is Dental Health?
Dental health means strong teeth and healthy gums. Research suggests that beyond eating and ... read more »
Caring for Your Teeth
Advice for keeping your teeth and mouth healthy is pretty standard: brush your teeth after meals, ... read more »
Dental Problems
The mouth is at risk for all sorts of problems, such as a cavities, dry mouth or more serious ... read more »
Finding a Dentist
A major component to having good dental health is regular visits to the dentist. This section has suggestions for choosing a dentist, along with links to searchable databases of dentists and orthodontists.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Not everyone has dental insurance and costs can add up, especially if a person hasn’t had regular dental care. The sites below mention one low-cost option: federally sponsored health centers. An alternative suggested by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research is to find a dental school nearby. Many schools have clinics that treat people at reduced costs while allowing dental students to become more experienced.
Dulcinea's Picks
For advice for choosing a dentist …
The American Dental Association
has a page with advice for choosing a dentist. It includes a “Frequently Asked Questions” section on dental insurance.
To find a dentist …
The American Dental Association
has a searchable database of its members that can be narrowed by specialty, such as pediatric dentistry or orthodontics.
The Academy of General Dentistry
has a searchable database of its members who practice general dentistry, not specialties.
The Health Resources and Services Administration
helps fund medical and dental clinics throughout the country. These centers are open to anyone, regardless of ability to pay, but often accept private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, too. Search for centers by state and county. Be aware that not every county has a federal health center, and not every center offers dental care, but this list is a place to start.
To find an orthodontist …
The American Association of Orthodontists
allows searches by a practitioner’s name or your location.
Dental News and Research
New discoveries into why teeth decay occurs and how to prevent it are announced all the time. ... read more »
© 2012 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
