Are Your Teeth KILLING You? Global Health Epidemic as Dental Problems Linked to Medical Problems
Video Summary
Dental health is a significant global issue, and neglecting oral health can have severe consequences on overall health. In the UK, dental care is limited, with dentists being paid too little to cover their costs, leading to a shortage of dentists. This is not an isolated issue, as around 2.5 billion people worldwide have no access to dental care, leaving them at risk of poor dental health.
The correlation between dental health and medical health is a recent discovery. Research has shown that 50% of heart attack cases in the US are triggered by dental infections, which often have no pain, and 90% of dental infections have no pain. Dental infections can lead to cardiovascular disease, strokes, and dementia.
The situation is dire, with 70 million people in the US having no dental insurance. This can lead to costly procedures, with dental work being an expensive proposition, even for simple procedures. In the UK, the situation is so dire that people with poor dental health are more likely to have heart attacks and strokes.
Dental tourism, where people travel to countries like Costa Rica, Mexico, and Turkey for affordable dental care, is becoming increasingly popular. The quality of care can be variable, and it’s crucial to research and prioritize quality over cheap options.
To address this issue, we need to rethink the way we approach dental care, ensuring that it is accessible and affordable for all. However, the solution is complex, and it will require significant changes in the way dentists are compensated, the development of new technologies, and increased investment in public health programs. Ultimately, good dental health can lead to good general health, and it’s crucial that we start prioritizing oral health.