Affordable Dental Health Care a Global Lack Affecting Quality of Life
Losing a tooth can negatively affect two significant functions: eating and speaking, which if not properly addressed can gradually bring on other health issues We all know that impaired eating and speaking abilities can greatly affect the quality of one’s life and the only way to resolve the dental problems is to seek treatment from a dental professional.
There is an increased concern that many cannot afford dental treatments, which as a result impacts the quality of life of citizens, especially edentulous children and adults.
In Australia, the government has long recognized that poor dental health among citizens had a major impact on the wellbeing of many of its citizens. Studies have in fact shown that oral diseases have been linked to serious health disorders such as cardiovascular diseases, lung disorders, stroke, diabetes and oral cancer.
Since the problems stem from lack of accessible and affordable oral health care services in many Australian communities, the federal government launched programs that state and territories should carry out to help remove the barriers that prevent Australian citizens from accessing dental care services and treatments that will improve the quality of their life.
Social Dental Indicators Used by Countries in Gauging Quality of Life of Citizens
Studies are now using social dental indicators in assessing the correlation of a dental patient’s satisfaction with the treatment in relation to any improvement in the quality of his or her life. The study procedure aims to gather behavioral data, which researchers can use in assessing the mechanical principles of each dental treatment.
One such study was conducted by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, which concluded that the most common problems mentioned by patients include difficulty in eating, speaking, smiling, laughing as they cannot help feel embarrassed in showing their teeth.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as complete social, physical, and mental well-being, which are the main components that determine if a person’s quality of life has improved through the years. While a tooth loss is often regarded as a minor physical disorder, it’s a life event that can affect the individual in carrying on with his or her daily activities.
The Effect of Edentulism on Quality of Life
Edentulism, which refers to a loss of all or several teeth can affect an individual’s ability to perform specific tasks. Mainly because the condition leads to bone loss, which in turn can affect the external appearance of affected patients.
Studies reveal experiences that edentulous patients share as a poor oral health-related quality of life. That being the case, it is the general consensus of the leaders in dental industries that it is the dentist’s job to give fully edentulous patients thorough briefing about dental implant treatments. That way they can have the most practical and successful procedure in terms of improving a patient’s quality of life. Mainly because it provides not only the functionality of a normal set of teeth but also the support for natural aesthetics.
