Two recent child deaths related to toothaches signal a step backwards for the nation's health, according to Oral Health America.
"It's hard to fathom that in 2007 we are reading multiple news reports of children dying from toothaches," said Robert Klaus, President and CEO of the nation's premier, independent patient advocacy group for improved oral health. "In 2000, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a warning calling the state of oral health in America a silent epidemic. These tragic deaths will hopefully help end that silence."
Deamonte Driver, a 12-year old boy from Prince Georges County, Md., and six-year old Alexander "Alex" Callender from Harrison County, Miss., both died last week from preventable oral health diseases related to toothaches. Driver's death points out glaring gaps in routine oral health treatment. Callender's death is under investigation by the county coroner.
Cost-effective steps, including routine oral exams, fluoride treatments, and the use of dental sealants could have prevented both these deaths. Driver's emergency treatment has been estimated at upwards of $150,000.
"Casting blame about gaps in policy or the lack of funding for existing oral health programs won't bring these two children back," Klaus said. "However, we can't ignore what has happened and we have an obligation as a nation to fix a problem that can easily be fixed. We need to fill America's oral health cavity before more innocent lives are lost and money is wasted."
Oral Health America is calling for specific policy recommendations including broader funding by the federal government for oral disease prevention in Medicaid and the Supplement Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), for private sector companies to offer dental insurance on a par with health insurance, passage of the Bingaman Children's Dental Health Improvement Act, and full funding for the Feingold-Collins Dental Health Improvement Act. States should support strong state oral health programs, school oral health services, and community water fluoridation.
Oral Health America is working with other interested advocacy and professional groups to galvanize public opinion in support of these recommendations.
Oral Health America grades each state on their oral health status. In the group's last report card, Mississippi received a D+, and Maryland received a C+. For more information visit www.oralhealthamerica.org.
Source: Oral Health America