What Are the Impacts of Dental Charities?

For many of us, making regular trips to the dentist is seen as an essential, albeit slightly inconvenient, part of our lives. However, for those who live at or below the poverty level, a visit to the dentist can be an unattainable luxury. Many people in our country are unable to afford cleanings and treatments, so they’re forced to live with tooth pain, infections, broken teeth, tooth decay, and gaps in their smile. 

 

In response to this issue, dental charities and dental school clinics aim to provide free or low-cost dental services to people who would normally not be able to afford them. Let’s discuss a few of the benefits of these incredible organizations. 

 

A Major Part of the Health Equation 

While having a mouth full of pearly whites might look attractive, aesthetics is far from the most important part of receiving dental care. If left unaddressed, poor dental hygiene can lead to serious health problems down the road, such as bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, low birth weight and complications in pregnancies, and cardiovascular diseases. Dental charities, like America’s ToothFairy, The Dental Lifeline Network (DLN), Local Start Dental, Give Kids A Smile (GKAS), America’s Dentists Care Foundation, Dentaid, and Give Back a Smile (GBAS), raise money to provide those in need with live-changing dental care that can help to prevent the development of serious, chronic diseases. 

 

Provide Education and Increase Awareness 

In addition to performing cleanings and various procedures, dental charities and dental school clinics provide members of our communities with education that will empower them to keep their teeth healthy long after their appointments. If you’ve grown up with regular dental care, it’s second nature to brush twice a day, use mouthwash, and floss on a regular basis. For people who grew up without biannual dental appointments and the wisdom of skilled dentists, hygienists, and assistants, these steps for proper maintenance might not be as well-known. Furthermore, people may not be aware of how important oral health is to overall health. Dental charities help individuals learn the best ways to maintain their oral health, while instilling the true significance of having a proper care routine. 

 

Free or Reduced-Cost Supplies 

Dropping 15 dollars on toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash might not seem like a big deal to some, but for people who are living paycheck to paycheck, this expenditure can serve as a financial breaking point. A few dollars could mean the difference between someone being able to put dinner on the table for themselves and their family members. Because of this, many people will choose to purchase less expensive, lower quality supplies, or in some cases, completely forgo purchasing dental hygiene products altogether. Many dental charities provide products to individuals and households who otherwise could not afford them. Simply knowing how to take care of your teeth is useless without having access to the right supplies. 

 

Consider Donating

If you’re looking for a worthy cause to contribute to, we highly recommend donating to a nonprofit organization that provides dental care, supplies, and education to underserved communities. A commitment of just a few dollars a month can make a significant difference in someone’s life, and that’s something we can all smile about.