The Importance Of Good Oral Health

Listen now to About Health

94.1FM—KPFA.org (3/20/23) 

https://kpfa.org/player/?audio=397467

In 2000, in his Oral Health in America report, then-U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher declared that poor dental health was “A silent epidemic promoting the onset of life-threatening diseases, which are responsible for the deaths of millions of Americans each year.” Since then a mounting body of evidence has been connecting the inflammatory processes that cause gum disease with other medical conditions. Some of the major health conditions related to oral health include heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and cancer. And tooth decay is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases in the United States. Even the tiniest teeth can get cavities. Its never too late to change your habits for good oral health and reduce your risk of disease.

Unfortunately there are too many people who can’t afford dental care and don’t have access to affordable insurance. 

Guest

Dr. Jolie Goodman-Leibof is a general dentist, practicing in Oakland, CA. She completed her Doctorate of Dental Surgery at  the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry, and a 1-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency at the University of New Mexico. Dr. Goodman-Leibof is very active in the dental community; she is a recent past president of the Alameda County Dental Society (ACDS),  she currently serves on the ACDS Board of Directors, and is the community outreach chair for ACDS. Having started her path in dentistry volunteering at the Berkeley Free Clinic, Dr. Goodman-Leibof is committed to addressing access to oral health care. As an advocate for access to oral health care, she volunteers regularly and has been recognized both locally and nationally for engagement in serving the community. Outside of dentistry, she has 2 children, and a very supportive husband.