On Monday, the day before Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States, the president of the American Dental Association (ADA) called for a “paradigm shift” in Washington, urging people to recognize the critical connection between oral health and overall health.
“We must recognize that oral health is a cornerstone of overall health and has a profound impact on physical, mental and social health,” ADA President Brett Kessler wrote in an op-ed in The Washington Post. He cited research from the ADA’s Forsyth Research Institute and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research that established the connection between oral health and overall health.
Kessler also highlighted the significant cost barriers to dental care in the United States, which are more prominent than other medical services. “Sadly, tens of millions of Americans are currently suffering from this. Some are neglecting their oral health, while others face significant barriers to obtaining dental care, with many unable to afford necessary treatment or lacking insurance that covers dental services,” he said.
“Imagine not being able to chew food, speak clearly or smile because of pain, infection or missing teeth. The impact on quality of life is undeniable,” added Kessler, whose organization has 159,000 members.
Kessler called for three key reforms: dental insurance reform, prevention (including regular visits to the dentist, a balanced diet without ultra-processed foods, water fluoridation programs that sustain “strong communities”) and oral health literacy.
Water fluoridation has been a controversial issue, especially after Trump appointed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as surgeon general. Kennedy Jr. previously said the Trump administration would remove fluoride from drinking water, calling it “industrial waste” that harms human health.
While some studies have advocated for adding fluoride to water to prevent tooth decay, especially in low-income areas, other reviews have questioned its effectiveness as a public policy.
A federal judge has directed the Environmental Protection Agency to further regulate fluoride in drinking water, acknowledging uncertainty about whether typical fluoride levels affect children’s IQ while noting potential risks.
Some cities in Canada and the United States add fluoride to their tap water to help reduce tooth decay.
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