Oral Healthcare and Health Disparities for Women: A Brief Report

Abstract

Poor dental health increases the risk for a myriad of systemic diseases and poor health outcomes including diabetes, and heart disease. Associations have been documented between periodontal disease diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and gastrointestinal disorders. Additionally, poor oral health has been associated with premature birth, and poor birth outcomes. Poor birth outcomes can stem from the influx of infant mortality across the US; thus significantly impacting the overall health of women. Women who come from low social economic areas, underserved populations, and underrepresented groups should be provided the necessary access to oral health care to assist with overall systemic health of women and prevent health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, premature birth, and poor birth outcomes. Overall, as a healthcare profession we must come together for the betterment of women’s health and advocate overall systemic health including oral health.