Barriers to providing essential oral health services

Prof. (Dr) Mahesh Verma, Prof Emeritus, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental sciences & Vice Chancellor, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University highlights that Proven by various research studies raising awareness about oral health is a highly efficacious and cost-effective solution to overcome barriers in accessing oral health services

Oral health is an integral part of our overall well-being, and it is crucial to ensure that the wider population receives essential oral health services to maintain good oral hygiene. Promoting access to essential oral health services is vital in ensuring that the wider population can maintain good oral hygiene, prevent oral diseases, and achieve optimal overall health. By recognising the importance of oral health as an integral part of well-being, we can work towards providing equitable access to oral health services for the community.

Among health problems oral health problems are given less priority. However, providing essential oral health services has numerous challenges, and at the same time there are several barriers that prevent individuals from receiving adequate dental care. One of the most significant barriers to providing essential oral health services is a lack of awareness about the importance of oral hygiene. A lot of people are unaware of the significance of brushing twice a day, using the right oral care products and techniques, and visiting the dentist on a regular basis. This lack of awareness can lead to poor oral health, which can cause a range of health issues, including gum disease, tooth decay, and even heart disease.

Another significant barrier to essential oral health services is limited access to dental care, particularly in rural areas. The shortage of dental clinics and dentists in these areas can result in inadequate access to necessary dental care, leading to untreated dental problems and subsequent deterioration of oral health. ^(1,2)

Addressing these barriers requires a multi-faceted approach, including policy changes, improved access to affordable dental insurance, expansion of oral health services in underserved areas, culturally sensitive care, public health campaigns, and education programs that emphasise the importance of oral health and preventive care. By working to overcome these barriers, we can strive for improved access to oral health services and better oral health outcomes for all individuals.

Proven by various research studies raising awareness about oral health is a highly efficacious and cost-effective solution to overcome barriers in accessing oral health services. By increasing awareness, individuals can gain a better understanding of the importance of oral health and the steps they can take to maintain good oral hygiene.

Toothpaste plays a vital role in oral care routines as it helps to clean teeth, remove plaque, freshen breath, and prevent dental issues. Thus, selecting the right toothpaste with essential ingredients is indeed crucial for maintaining good oral hygiene. Research has shown that some of the contemporary toothpaste’s formulations were lacking the essential ingredients like fluoride it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are ineffective but these ingredients can surely enhance the action of a toothpaste. Two of the essential ingredients of the toothpaste are arginine and fluoride. Arginine is an amino acid that has been incorporated into some toothpaste formulations due to its potential benefits for oral health. It helps to protect teeth from acid attacks and also reduces the sensitivity. Umpteen number of research has proven that fluoride plays a crucial role in toothpaste as it helps in preventing tooth decay and promoting good oral health When applied to the teeth, fluoride helps to strengthen the weakened tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and plaque. It also inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, reducing the risk of cavities. Fluoride has been extensively studied and proven to be safe and effective in preventing tooth decay. Flavoring and coloring agents are commonly added to toothpaste to enhance the overall user experience and make brushing more pleasant. It’s important to note that the primary purpose of toothpaste is to effectively clean and protect your teeth and gums. However, many people are unaware of the importance of these ingredients and may select toothpaste based solely on its flavor or packaging.³

Research in toothpastes is an ongoing process aimed at developing and improving oral care products with better efficacy, safer and more biocompatible ensuring that they do not cause any adverse effects on oral tissues or systemic health.

Furthermore, many people do not clean their teeth twice a day, as recommended for achieving optimum oral health. Brushing infrequently or for less than the required two minutes can result in plaque buildup, which can lead to cavities and gum disease.

Another significant barrier to providing essential oral health services are the dental fear and anxiety from seeking dental care and accessing essential oral health services. Many people avoid going to the dentist because they are afraid of pain, needles, or the sound of dental equipment. The fear of dental procedures can lead individuals to avoid dental visits altogether, even when they require essential oral health services. This avoidance can result in the progression of dental problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Delaying necessary dental care may lead to more complex and costly treatments in the future. ⁴

Finally, the cost of dental care is a significant barrier to receiving essential oral health services. Many dental procedures are expensive, and individuals may not be able to afford them, especially if they do not have dental insurance. This can lead to a lack of access to necessary dental care, which can cause dental problems to worsen over time.^(1,2)

Providing essential oral health services is crucial for maintaining good oral hygiene and overall well-being. Oral health is intricately linked to our overall health, and neglecting it can have significant consequences on our well-being. However, several barriers prevent individuals from receiving adequate dental care, including lack of awareness, lack of access, fear of dental procedures, and the cost of dental care. Increasing awareness among the public about the importance of oral hygiene is crucial for promoting better oral health and overall well-being and to overcome the barriers related to the addressing the importance of oral hygiene, improve access to oral care, address the fear of dental procedures, and initiatives that improve tooth nourishment. Selecting the right toothpaste with the necessary ingredients such as arginine and fluoride and brushing twice a day are simple yet effective steps that individuals can take to maintain good dental hygiene and prevent dental problems. These efforts can significantly contribute to better oral health for the individuals and communities as a whole.

Reference 

1. KM, N. K. (2010). Public health implications of oral health—inequity in India. Journal of Advanced Oral Research, 1(1), 1-10.
2. SINGH, S., SHAH, V., DAGRUS, K., BS, M., KARIYA, P. B., & SHAH, S. (2015). Oral health inequality and barriers to oral health care in India. Indo-European Journal of Dental Therapy and Research, 3(1), 242-245.
3. The anti-caries efficacy of a dentifrice containing 1.5% arginine and 1450 ppm fluoride as sodium monofluorophosphate assessed using Quantitative Light-induced Fluorescence (QLF)
4. Kumar, P., & Batra, C. A Perspective on Dental Public Health in India.