A day before Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th president of the United States on Monday, the head of the American Dental Association (ADA) called for a “paradigm shift” in Washington, urging recognition of the critical link between oral health and overall health.
“It is crucial to recognize that oral health is the bedrock of overall health, with far-reaching implications for physical, mental and social wellness,” ADA president Brett Kessler wrote in an op-ed for the Washington Post, citing research from the ADA’s Forsyth Institute and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, which established the connection between oral and overall health.
Kessler also highlighted the severe cost barriers to dental care in the U.S., which are more pronounced than those for other health services. “Sadly, tens of millions of Americans are suffering right now. Some neglect oral health, while others face significant barriers to accessing dental care, with many unable to afford necessary treatments or lacking insurance coverage that includes dental services,” he said.
“Imagine not being able to chew food, speak clearly or smile because of pain, infection or missing teeth. The impact on quality of life is undeniable,” Kessler, whose organization has 159,000 members, added.
Kessler called for three reforms
Kessler called for three key reforms: Dental insurance reform, Prevention—which includes regular dental visits, a balanced diet free from ultra-processed foods, and maintaining a “robust community” water fluoridation initiative, and Oral health literacy.
Water fluoridation has been a contentious issue, especially after Trump appointed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary. Kennedy Jr. previously stated that the Trump administration would remove fluoride from drinking water, calling it an “industrial waste” hazardous to human health.
While some studies advocate for fluoride in water to prevent cavities, particularly in low-income areas, other reviews have questioned its effectiveness as a public policy.
In September, a U.S. federal judge directed the Environmental Protection Agency to further regulate fluoride in drinking water, acknowledging uncertainty about whether typical fluoridation levels impact children’s IQ, while noting potential risks.
Fluoride is added to tap water in some Canadian and U.S. municipalities to help reduce cavities.
