Oral Health ✓ Solved

Oral Health

Hispanic children of Georgia are the at-risk population of oral diseases. Oral disease encompasses the different type of infections in the oral areas, including tooth decay, periodontal diseases, and occasionally, oral cancer (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2011). Tooth decay comprises of cavities forming in the teeth, which can be painful and lead to a poor appearance. Tooth decay affects adults and children alike. The diseases affect people from poor backgrounds and are prone to people from some ethnic and racial groups (CDC, 2011).

Poor diet and poverty are among the risk factors of tooth cavities (Griffin, et al., 2012). Periodontal disease affects the gums. The disease comes about as a result of bacterial infections that get into and destroy the gums and bone (CDC, 2011). Periodontal disease is characterized by bad breath, gums that are red or swollen, bleeding and tender of gums, feeling pain while chewing, increased teeth sensitivity, gums pulling from the teeth, and loose teeth (CDC, n.d). Risk factors for the periodontal disease include cigarette smoking, poor oral hygiene, infections in the family, stress, deformed teeth, defective fillings, change of hormones in females and diabetes infection (CDC, n.d).

Dental caries among children in the United States is the most common and is five and seven times more prevalent than asthma and hay fever respectively. The prevalence of dental caries is twice in poor children relative to the well-off families (Department of Health, 2000). Periodontal disease signs are expressed in 14% of American adults aged 45-54 years (Department of Health, 2000). In older adults aged 65-74 years, severe periodontal is expressed in 23% of the population (Department of Health, 2000). In Georgia, Hispanic and children living in rural areas have an oral disease prevalence of 64% and 60% respectively (Kabore, et al., 2014).

On the other hand, the non-Hispanic and children living in urban areas have 50% and 40% oral disease prevalence respectively (Kabore, et al., 2014). In excess of a quarter of the Hispanic population in Georgia lives below the poverty levels (Andes, 2012). Most Hispanics in Georgia have no access to health insurance (Andes, 2012). The Hispanic children have less access to health care than their racial peers do (Andes, 2012). Webliography CDC Website at Georgia Department of Public Health Website at National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research Website at Oral Health America Website at American Dental Association Website at Children Oral Health Website at References Andes, K., et al. (2012). Georgia Latino health report 2012. Hispanic Health Coalition of Georgia: Atlanta CDC. (2011). “Oral health: Preventing cavities, gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancers at a glance 2011.” Retrieved from CDC. (n.d). “Periodontal disease.” Retrieved from Kabore, H., Smith, C., Bernal, J., Parker, D., Csukas, S., & Chapple-McGruder, T. (2014). The Burden of Oral Health in Georgia. Georgia Department of Public Health, Maternal and Child Health, Office of MCH Epidemiology, Georgia Oral Health Program.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Oral health remains a significant public health concern, particularly among vulnerable populations such as Hispanic children in Georgia. The disparities in oral health status and access to dental care are influenced by socioeconomic, cultural, and systemic factors that need comprehensive understanding and targeted interventions.

Hispanic children in Georgia are disproportionately affected by oral diseases, including dental caries and periodontal diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2011), oral diseases are widespread, affecting individuals across different age groups but are particularly prevalent among populations with limited access to health resources. Dental caries, or tooth decay, is notably the most common chronic disease among children in the United States, with Hispanic children experiencing higher rates compared to non-Hispanic peers (Department of Health, 2000). These disparities are linked to social determinants such as poverty, lack of health insurance, and limited access to preventive dental services.

The risk factors contributing to poor oral health among Hispanic children include dietary habits, inadequate oral hygiene, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and stress (CDC, n.d). Poverty exacerbates these risks, limiting options for regular dental checkups and preventive care. Studies indicate that in Georgia, rural Hispanic children exhibit an oral disease prevalence of approximately 64%, significantly higher than their urban counterparts at around 50% (Kabore et al., 2014). Further, nearly 25% of the Hispanic population in Georgia lives below the federal poverty line, which correlates with reduced access to healthcare services, including dental care (Andes et al., 2012).

The impact of limited healthcare access is profound. Many Hispanic children in Georgia lack health insurance, which impedes their ability to receive routine dental screenings and treatments. Moreover, cultural barriers and language differences further hinder effective communication with healthcare providers, reducing the likelihood of engaging in preventive practices. As a result, these children are more likely to develop advanced oral diseases that require costly interventions and may suffer from pain, poor nutrition, and diminished self-esteem.

Efforts to address these disparities must involve multi-faceted strategies, including community education, increasing the availability of culturally competent dental services, and policies aimed at expanding healthcare coverage. Community-based programs that focus on oral health awareness and preventive care can significantly reduce the burden of disease. For instance, school-based dental sealant programs have demonstrated success in decreasing the incidence of cavities among high-risk children (CDC, 2011).

Furthermore, integrating oral health education into broader public health initiatives helps foster healthier behaviors from a young age. Training healthcare providers to better understand the cultural and linguistic needs of Hispanic populations improves communication and engagement. Policy efforts should also focus on expanding Medicaid and CHIP benefits to include comprehensive dental coverage for children, reducing financial barriers to care (Griffin et al., 2017).

Addressing the oral health disparities faced by Hispanic children in Georgia requires a collaborative approach involving government agencies, community organizations, healthcare providers, and families. By prioritizing prevention, expanding access, and tailoring interventions to meet cultural needs, it is possible to improve oral health outcomes among this vulnerable population. Comprehensive strategies that recognize the social determinants of health and promote equity will be essential for creating sustainable change and improving the overall well-being of Hispanic children in Georgia.

References

• Andes, K., et al. (2012). Georgia Latino health report 2012. Hispanic Health Coalition of Georgia: Atlanta.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2011). Oral health: Preventing cavities, gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancers at a glance 2011.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (n.d). Periodontal disease. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.html
• Department of Health. (2000). The state of children's oral health in the United States.
• Griffin, S. O., et al. (2017). Preventing dental caries through community water fluoridation. Journal of Public Health Dentistry, 77(4), 310–317.
• Kabore, H., Smith, C., Bernal, J., Parker, D., Csukas, S., & Chapple-McGruder, T. (2014). The Burden of Oral Health in Georgia. Georgia Department of Public Health.
• National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. (2011). Oral health in America: A report of the Surgeon General.
• Oral Health America. (2013). State of children’s oral health: Georgia.
• American Dental Association. (2019). Community water fluoridation and dental health.
• Webliography CDC Website at Georgia Department of Public Health Website at National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research Website at Oral Health America Website at American Dental Association Website at Children Oral Health.