May 31 marks National Smile Day, a day dedicated to promoting dental health and spreading happiness with more smiles
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 3.5 billion people grapple with oral health issues, the consequences of which extend far beyond mere toothaches and cavities. Oral health problems have been linked to happiness levels and overall wellbeing(Opens a new window), with far-reaching effects on physical, mental and social health.
Numerous studies such as the Department of Preventive Dentistry, have found ties between oral health and various ailments(Opens a new window), from heightened anxiety and depression risks to productivity dips, diabetes, and compromised nutritional intake. It's a ripple effect that impacts mood, confidence, and self-esteem. The good news is, oral diseases are almost entirely preventable with simple daily care and regular check-ups, but not everyone has access to the resources and education required to maintain strong oral health.
At Let’s Smile, a non-profit organization in Southeastern Minnesota, and grantee of the Mars Wrigley Foundation, Executive Director and dental hygienist Holly Jorgensen witnesses firsthand the transformative power of oral healthcare, especially for low-income families with children and adolescents.
Holly recounts an emotional encounter with a four-year-old boy whose tears and picky eating troubled his mother. Upon examination, Holly discovered the root cause: severe tooth decay in all four baby molars, where she could see the nerves of his teeth. To the boy, this pain was normal, since the pain from decay didn’t happen overnight. With no insurance to cover treatment, Holly rallied support from a dental office, which stepped in to perform the needed surgery.
Six months later, when the boy returned for his check-up, Holly was greeted with a radiant transformation. The once-distraught boy hopped into her chair, brimming with happiness. His weight gain spoke volumes—he could eat without agony. "He was able to thrive in school and in life," Holly beams, "and that's why we do what we do."
WHO estimates around 2 billion individuals suffer from decay of permanent teeth(Opens a new window), with an additional 514 million children experiencing decaying primary teeth globally. Moreover, periodontal disease, a serious gum infection, affects around 1 billion people globally. However, it's important to recognize the impact of dental problems extends beyond physical discomfort in the mouth.
Holly explains that infections compromise the immune system, leaving children and adults vulnerable to illnesses. Toothaches disrupt sleep and appetite, hindering concentration at work or in school. “If you’re constantly trying to fight off an infected mouth and suddenly, the cold or flu comes your way, your immune system is already compromised and you’re going to be more run down,” Holly adds.
According to Holly, children with poor oral health can make them a target for bullies, eroding confidence and self-worth. “If they've got these black spots on their teeth or active gingivitis, bad breath, and their gums are all swollen and bleeding, that could be a target for bullying because kids can pick that out.”
Dental experts and dental associations such as the World Dental Federation (FDI) advocate for preventing oral health problems through simple yet crucial steps: brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, daily dental flossing and biannual dental care check-ups. Emphasizing prevention underscores the pivotal role oral health plays in nurturing overall wellbeing and happiness. By prioritizing preventive care and early intervention, individuals can cultivate resilience, bolster confidence and create a healthy smile.
The Mars Wrigley Foundation works to provide oral health education and care by partnering with organizations around the world. Let’s Smile is a grant recipient of the Mars Wrigley Foundation, in collaboration with the American Dental Hygienists’ Association.
