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With few dentists and fluoride under siege, rural America risks new surge of tooth decay


Published on 2025-03-29 09:43:11 - CNN
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  • Hundreds of rural American communities face a one-two punch to oral health: a dire shortage of dentists and a lack of fluoridated drinking water, which is widely viewed among dentists as one of the most effective tools to prevent tooth decay.

The article from MSN discusses the growing issue of dental care in rural America, where there is a significant shortage of dentists and increasing resistance to fluoride use. This combination is leading to a potential surge in tooth decay. Rural areas already face challenges with healthcare access, and dental care is no exception, with many counties having no dentists at all. The skepticism towards fluoride, often fueled by misinformation, has led to reduced use in water supplies and dental products, despite its proven effectiveness in preventing cavities. This situation is exacerbated by economic factors, as many rural residents cannot afford dental insurance or out-of-pocket dental care costs. Initiatives to address these issues include mobile dental clinics, teledentistry, and efforts to increase the number of dental professionals in underserved areas, but the problem remains complex and deeply rooted in both economic and cultural resistance.

Read the Full CNN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/with-few-dentists-and-fluoride-under-siege-rural-america-risks-new-surge-of-tooth-decay/ar-AA1BTPCd ]