Why access to dental care matters
Oral health affects how we eat, speak, smile, and take part in everyday life. When dental needs go untreated, the consequences reach families, workplaces, and the wider economy. 1
The need is widespread.
About 1 in 5 U.S. adults ages 20–64 has at least one untreated cavity. 2
Financial barriers deepen disparities.
CDC research found untreated tooth decay in 45% of adults ages 20–64 with low incomes, compared with 18% of those with higher incomes. 3
Insurance can leave gaps.
Having health insurance doesn’t guarantee dental coverage. Marketplace health plans are not required to cover adult dental care, and even dental insurance may pay only part of the cost. Annual limits on what a plan pays and remaining out-of-pocket expenses can leave essential treatment unaffordable. 4, 5
Oral health is part of overall health.
Untreated dental problems can cause pain and tooth loss—and affect overall health. Diabetes is one example: people with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease, and gum disease can make their blood sugar harder to control. 6, 7
Confidence can affect opportunity.
Nearly 1 in 5 working-age adults reports that the appearance of their mouth and teeth affects their ability to interview for a job. Among adults with low incomes, that figure rises to 29%. 6
Dental problems interrupt work and education.
Unplanned and emergency dental care accounts for an estimated 92 million lost work hours and 34 million missed school hours in the United States each year. 1
The economic impact is substantial.
Untreated oral disease accounts for an estimated $46 billion in annual U.S. productivity losses, measured in 2015 dollars. 6
Everyone deserves access to essential dental care. Yet people with the fewest financial resources often face the greatest barriers to getting it.
At Sourire, we believe the care you need should be within reach, regardless of what you can afford. We’re working to help underserved young adults access treatment that supports their health, confidence, and everyday lives.