Dentistry In Appalachia

The central Appalachians have the highest

incidence of tooth loss in America. One might cite the fact that many locations are remote and access to dental care is limited. Poverty is certainly a factor as is family history.

The interesting thing that some dentists believe is responsible for bad teeth, even in children is the addiction to Mountain Dew. That sounds ridiculous, but Mountain Dew is loaded with sugar and caffeine. Many parents even put it into baby bottles and sippy cups. It is like bathing the teeth constantly in acid.

Why would you give your kids soda when milk is sometimes cheaper? Dentists and doctors believe it is addictive. I can personally understand this because my own caffeine addiction involves Tab. I do not drink coffee, but I need Tab in the mornings. Of course I did not drink soda as a child. It was a rare treat, occasionally allowed by my mother.

Certainly the remote location of many homes is a factor. If you live way up in the mountains and don't have transportation,

what can you do? Mobile dental practices are trying to combat this visiting schools and other locations within the community. While most children dread a visit to the dentist, these rolling clinics are often greeted with enthusiasm.

The mobile dentists teach prevention, hand out toothbrushes, and discuss nutrition in addition to treating dental problems. These dentists are shocked to learn that many children under the age of two have a mouthful of cavities. The obvious answer is to educate the parents, but illiteracy is also a problem, with parents struggling to fill out the most basic forms.

It is difficult to attract doctors and dentists to practice in remote locations, and while mobile practices help, the need is still great. This is America, not a third world country, so we need to come up with a better solution to help the dentists who have made it their mission to serve the people of Appalachia. A lot of charitable organizations have answered the call, sponsoring free clinics in churches and even Walmart parking lots.

Pepsico, the maker of Mountain Dew has pledged to help with dental education and sponsoring clinics. After Diane Sawyer's report, let's hope many more big companies step up to the plate.

 




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