My Family's Oral Health

I recently read a study from Crest that surprised me in more ways than one. The study was completed by the HDA, Crest and Oral-B and staed that U.S hispanics are lagging behind in their oral health. That really bothered me because my children’s oral health I very important. In fact, I feel like my oral health is in worst shape than theirs.) The biggest shock was that of all the Hispanics surveyed 1 in 5 said that they have not discussed their oral health issues ( such as bleeding, swollen gums) with dentists. That statment blew me away. I wondered what they reasons behind not telling the dentist, like those you can see here, was. Could it be a lack of dental health coverage? As I read further I found that not having coverage is an issue as well as many Hispanic adults believe that as long as you take care of your mouth dental visits are not really necessary. I will tell you that my husband is from Mexico and he deosn’t feel the same as U.S Hispanics. We all go to the dentist for our yearly checkups, cleanings, and any time we have a problem. however we do not have dental issurance and have to rely on a community clinic. What that means is that if you call to make an appointment today your appointment will be scheduled for about three months later. So if we have a problem we go to a private dentist and have to make payments.

According to the study 60% of primarily Spanish speaking Hispanics believe that of they had more access to Spanish-speaking dentists they would go to the dentist more and be more informed.  My children and I have no problem when we go to the dentist. Edgar on the other hand, has to have either myself or one of the kids with him. While he speaks good English some words he still has trouble with and none in our community dental office speaks Spanish. At the private dentist we use for emergencies the dentist himself speaks English and Spanish. We would use the private dentist all the time if we could afford because he clearly takes the time to make sure that not only his English speaking patients understand what he doing and saying but also his Spanish speaking patients. I cannot tell you how wonderful that is for us because our town is small and there are few Hispanics.

Eight in ten Hispanics think they are good or excellent resources for teaching their children good oral health. I find that shocking based on everything thing else the study stated.  If children are relying on their parents to teach them about good oral health and the parents themselves are not going to the dentist regularly then the children are in real trouble.  We experience many of the same problems that most Hispanics in the U.S. experience. Not having access to dental health insurance or good health care, such as the great care you find at a pediatric dentist las vegas nv, is just one of many but it is one of the most important ones. I am so grateful that my husband will work two jobs if needed to make our children are able to go the dentist when they need to. We are working hard to teach out children that good oral health begins with regular trips to the dentist.

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Read more about the study I read from Crest.

** I wrote this post while participating in a compensated campaign with Procter & Gamble and Latina Mom Bloggers. However, all opinions expressed are my own.