A recent study lead by the Hispanic Dental Association, Crest and Oral-B states that:
- Nearly 1 in 5 Hispanics have not visited the dentist in the past 2+ years
- Hispanics do not consider dental visits a priority
- Many of us, Hispanics, are living with oral health conditions that are not addressed
What is holding us back? Survey says:
- Knowledge gaps - 61% of Hispanics rely on what our parents have taught us
- Cost and accessibility - 7 out of 10 feel that having better access to dental coverage would help
- Cultural and language barriers - 60 % feel that a higher representation of Hispanics dentists/hygienists would help
Want to read more? The full study can be accessed at www.crestcomplete.com/study. You can also click on the picture below to see the Mini Survey, complete with great graphics!
So...what can we do the address these issues?
I read the study results above, and I can relate. Looking back, I couldn't tell you who our family dentist was. My father owned his own business, and providing professional dental care is something that seemed out of reach. We did get some dental care, but as I have grown up, the thought of going to the dentist is a little nerve-wrecking.
Now that I have children, and benefits that include dental care, I had to buckle down and be a good example. I want to feel what they are feeling when they sit down in that chair. So I try my best to go to all my dental check ups.
With my children, I follow all the recommendations and they had their first dental visit at about 1 year and we have found a great pediatric dentist in our neighborhood, who just so happens to be Latino! When they look back, going to the dentist will not be a scary or unknown to them, and I hope they will pass on the importance and so on and so on.
The survey also says that parents and family are the major resources we rely on to learn about oral health, and to find new dentist and dental facilities.
So give your teeth some love! And when you do...spread the word!
Disclosure - I wrote this post while participating in a compensated campaign with Proctor & Gamble and Latina Mom Bloggers. However, all opinions expressed are my own.
