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The mouth
reflects general health and overall well-being. For the future
health of the nation, it is imperative to change the perceptions
regarding oral health and disease so that oral health becomes
an accepted and automatic component of general health.
Here are the unfortunate facts:
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A disease of
the disadvantaged - 80% of childhood decay occurs
in just 25% of the population. |
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School nurses
ineffective - Unlike other infections, once a tooth
gets decay, it cannot heal itself. If a child is in pain,
only a dentist can help. This scenario strains school
and family resources. |
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No relief for
pain and infection - Access to care for most underprivileged
children is very limited. If a child cannot be helped
professionally, they will experience more needless pain
and suffering plus complications that devastate overall
health and well-being, as well as financial and social
costs that diminish the quality of life at work, at school,
and at home. |
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School districts
lose attendance monies - Poor children have nearly
12 times more restricted-activity days because of dental-related
illness than children from higher-income families. |
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Children cannot
learn when they are in pain. This can affect school
ratings. |
Now let's talk about the answer.
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