On Jan. 23, I flashed my toothiest smile at Gov. Janet Mills. As a member of the Southern Maine Workers Center, I rallied with coalition partners at the State House to support LD 1955. If passed, LD 1955 will expand MaineCare to include comprehensive dental care for adults.
Access to dental care is essential to good health. People who do not receive regular dental care run a high risk of developing gum disease, tooth decay and infection — problems both painful, and potentially deadly. Researchers demonstrate increasing evidence of links between poor oral health and serious medical conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and diseases of pregnancy. At the center, we affirm that health care is a human right. Clearly, dental care is an essential part of health care.