If people want to stay healthy, they can't forget their teeth

Gordon Hopkins

Rural Health News Service

When people think about health issues, they often don’t think about their teeth. Dental health is rarely considered a priority, especially among those in rural areas where dental health care providers are not always easily accessible.

Even when there is a dentist in town, people often wait until the pain of a toothache crops up before seeking an appointment. Whether it is for reasons of money, time or just the fear of the dentist’s implements, preventative care often is ignored.

But this attitude can be dangerous. A person’s teeth have a far greater imp...