Why oral health matters

by Dr. Lisa Simon

As a public health physician, I see that the oral health of our clients and communities is inseparable from their overall health and well-being. In Canada, oral health care is funded separately and to a more limited degree than the rest of the health-care system. This has created barriers to accessing care, leading to outcomes that are visible in our classrooms, workplaces and emergency rooms.

Many people delay or avoid dental visits because of the partial or full out-of-pocket costs. Access has improved in recent years with the welcome introduction of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), but barriers remain for those who don’t meet the eligibility criteria, as well as for those who do meet the criteria but struggle with affording the co-payments. As a result, oral diseases like cavities and gum disease go untreated, leading to pain, infection and difficulty eating, speaking or attending work or school. Gum disease is also linked to chronic illnesses including heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Early detection and treatment can prevent tooth loss and reduce the risk of more serious complications.

Oral health is fundamental to everyday life. Eating, drinking, speaking, and smiling should not be sources of discomfort or distress. When someone is living with dental pain, missing teeth or an untreated infection, even routine activities become challenging. Pain can make it hard to concentrate, sleep or perform daily tasks, which affects a person’s ability to work or attend school. Beyond the physical impacts, oral health also shapes social, emotional and economic well-being. Visible dental issues like missing teeth or obvious infection can affect self-esteem, leading people to avoid social situations, smiling or speaking, or withdrawing from community life. In some cases, they may also face stigma or be overlooked for employment opportunities, further limiting a person’s economic stability and well-being.

These burdens are not shared equally. Oral diseases disproportionately affect people with low- and middle-incomes, for whom access to care is more limited. When people cannot access essential dental care, minor issues can escalate into major ones, requiring more complex and costly treatment. This cycle deepens health inequities, increases pressure on the health-care and social assistance systems, and contributes to lost work and school time, reduced productivity and higher personal expenses.

Public health plays a critical role in breaking this cycle. At the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, we work to improve oral health through education, screening, and the provision of dental care services. We provide education on caring for teeth and gums and help individuals and families determine whether they qualify for publicly funded dental programs. These include Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) for children and teens 17 and under, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) for all ages, the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP) for adults 65 and older with low incomes, Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) for First Nations and Inuit people, and coverage under social assistance programs.