Oral health can significantly impact one’s overall health. It contributes to school absences and poor academic performance, lead to missed work days, and even trouble getting a job. It can also contribute to and worsen serious chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. However, oral health is often overlooked as a pressing health issue. The causes of poor oral health are numerous, including an inability to access dental providers, barriers due to limited English proficiency, and the cost of dental insurance. As with many health disparities, what often doesn’t get considered are the other factors that contribute to poor oral health, such as poverty and food security.

This report uses California Health Interview Survey data from 2005 and 2007, as well as research from Center publications or by Center staff from 2010 and 2011.