Oral Health a concern in Jamaica

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Health ministers are concerned about standards of oral health in Jamaica, as more and more people put off going to the dentist because they cannot afford the cost of treatment.

Dr Irving McKenzie, dental director at the Ministry of Health, said that the cost of dentistry was extremely high because people are not visiting their dentist on a regular basis; this means that instead of paying small fees for check-ups, cleaning treatments and filings, they end up with much larger bills because they require complex treatments.

Concern has grown about standards of oral health, as figures show that a large proportion of people suffer from oral health problems. Numerous research studies have confirmed a link between poor oral health and general health issues; researchers have found that the bacteria associated with gum disease can cause inflammation in the body, which contributes to an increased risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Dentists and health chiefs are eager to encourage patients to visit their dentist on a regular basis; going for regular check-ups can help to reduce the risk of oral health conditions and will dramatically reduce the cost of dental care in the long-run. Focusing on preventative care will save money as well as enabling people to enjoy better oral health.

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