From the mouth-to-body connection to countering negative stigma, Maria Papabergos shares what she learned through conversations with six key figures in the oral health field.
Knowledge is power. The power to change behavior and improve health. When we look inside a patient’s mouth, we realize that there is still much we don’t know.
Oral health is ignored. Historically, dentistry has been a “problem-solving” service, with little time or value placed on education and prevention. Still, most of the diseases we treat are preventable. Moreover, not only dental professionals but also the educational system are missing out on health messages. Schools do not teach children about health by giving them sweets and processed foods as snacks. We have created a culture of snacking, coupled with poor food choices and a lack of communication about lifestyle and the connection between our bodies, health and mouth.