I defy anyone to look at a smiling baby’s face and not return the smile. On some days a smiling face from a stranger can be mood altering…call it free therapy. A smile returned lets me know I was seen and heard. When words are not able to be shared, a smile can be the universal message of support.
As we greet each other with a smile, our teeth are a major part of that smile. Globally, the appearance of teeth varies significantly to indicate differences in status (filed teeth in Indonesia), wealth (decorative grills), and beauty (black teeth in Japan). But here, we all look for that continuous row of white teeth.
In Indiana, those with disabilities are less likely to visit the dentist than the general population, according to a 2020 Department of Health study. Delayed or deferred dental care can lead to lifelong habits that can contribute, not only to the loss of that smile, but to other dental and health problems.
In 2021, a family caregiver survey regarding dental care found that one in four respondents reported their disabled family member, aged 13 or older, had lost six or more permanent teeth as a result of tooth decay or gum disease. Now, consider what that smile may look like.
Multiple factors contribute to this loss of permanent teeth, including lack of routine brushing or oral hygiene practices, economic barriers, and/or aversion or anxiety associated with preventive dental hygiene visits. Northeast Indiana now has an even better partner in the battle for a healthier smile.
After progressive work and collaboration, last week gave us the opening of Neighborhood Health Clinic’s (NHC) dental facility at the new Oxford Clinic (3501 Warsaw St.). The comprehensive dental services that have been available at the NHC Calhoun location has a second location with even more inclusive services complete with a literal comfort menu of items, including:
- Desensitization visits/social stories
- Private spaces
- Sensory accommodating options
- Weighted blankets
- Fidget toys
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- Adjustable lights, bubble wall, and/or sunglasses
- Music options
- Aromatherapy
- Bariatric (large) dental chair with direct wheelchair accommodation
- …and so much more.
However, it is more than the built space and its equipment that has expanded. The staff have received enhanced training in advanced behavioral guidance techniques to address many of the barriers in receiving (and providing) the dental care needed.
Several dentists in Northeast Indiana have similar office practices. All are working to help those with disabilities to literally keep their teeth and to keep them healthy while managing the cost of such care. At a time when Medicaid funding is declining, we know that good preventive care and daily oral hygiene provide cost savings by preventing expensive emergency care.
If you or someone you know has been avoiding dental care, or if you have a child who is learning how to care for those baby teeth that are just appearing, consider the importance of routine dental care and daily habits of self-care.
How can we instill a level of comfort going forward to see the benefits of regular dental hygiene? Access is a less likely barrier at the new space for wheelchair users, for bus riders, and for those with sensory issues.
Whether from a baby, a child, a co-worker, or a neighbor, a shared smile can be a shared language. A smile can be a greeting or a recognition. It can be an acknowledgement or a thank you. An apology or a farewell. To preserve one’s teeth is to retain that smile of unlimited communication potential.
“A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.” (Phyllis Diller)