Recent Fatality from Tooth Infection Illustrates How Economic Downturn Endangers Oral Health

Glendale, CA (PRWEB) October 12, 2011

The recent death of an unemployed Ohio man, who couldnt afford antibiotics for a tooth infection that ultimately killed him, underscores the critical need for the public to make oral health a priority, according to the California Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA).

The fatal incident offers a sober reminder during Octobers National Dental Hygiene Month to the many families not receiving the care they need because they have either lost health insurance or are tightening their belts by cutting out trips to the dentist and dental hygienist.

People are hurting financially throughout our state and nation, said CDHA president Lisa Okamoto, We want to make sure all of us dont lose sight of the need to stay on top of the family’s oral healthcare. Failure to do so can result in more costly and even life-threatening medical conditions.

Okamoto said that oral health and dental hygiene are now considered essential components of overall patient care provided by nurses, physicians, hygienists and dentists.

Unfortunately, many people still view oral care as an optional cosmetic service even though the mouth is the mirror of health and disease and the entry point for a lot of bacteria into our body. she said. Oral health not only reflects general health conditions but may worsen or complicate existing conditions pregnancy, respiratory, cardiovascular, coronary, diabetes, immune disorders and other inflammatory disease. The mouth is not separate from the rest of the body.

Okamoto cited another case from 2007 case in which a 12-year-old boy died from an untreated tooth infection that led to a bacterial infection in his brain.

These horrific deaths makes the point that oral health can be a matter of life and death, said Okamoto, who also pointed to a number of reports and statistics underscoring the importance of maintaining oral health: