I am here to discuss oral health and it's importance to our community. Just think of your family members and how many of them go to the dentist and if so when was the last time they have been. This is the trend that has to stop. Let's start off by saying that a child should see a dentist as soon as they have a tooth. The dentist can check there gums and give you all of the proper information to nurture that childs mouth and ultimately their bodies since it is connected right? Once visits to the dentist begin they should continue every 6 months until you expire.

A long time ago there was a disconnect between the mouth and the body and this is no longer the case. The surgeon general has a report out on oral health connecting it with the health of your body. African Americans have the #1 rate of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and many other illnesses. Have you ever stopped to think that this is because the oral health is not in check. Did you know that the plaque that builds up on your teeth is the same plaque that builds up in your heart walls? Remember you swallow everything that enters your mouth which in turn then enters the  body. It is documented that poor oral health leads to heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and severe infections. If this is not the cause of someones death it is definitley aiding towards it. Please let's break this trend among our people and start great habits by teaching our children and family members to attend the dentist regularly!

I know that the dentist can be expensive but  there are community health centers in your local area that can help and are affordable. One in Columbus, OH is called Columbus Neighborhood Health Center (CNHC). They see patients that have Caresource, Molina, Medicaid, and some private insurance. If you have no insurance they see patients on a sliding fee based upon household income. This income includes disability, social security, food stamp award letters, and etc...  They are located at 1180 East Main Street and the number is (614) 645-5541.There is no excuse let's bring down our numbers in these health issue categories and get some oral health help!!

Ebony Williams R.D.H. B.S