CARLOS T. CARTER
We connected with Carlos T. Carter, the President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, to get his take on oral health and wellness.
This month’s “Take Charge of Your Health” topic focuses on oral health, including good oral hygiene and preventative dental care. We know it can be difficult to keep up with healthy habits—especially when it comes to affordability and access. With so many competing health recommendations, why should readers prioritize their oral health?
Maintaining proper oral health is important as it directly impacts the quality and length of our lives. Poor oral health not only leads to tooth decay, but also infections that can contribute to heart disease. Additionally, improper oral care can impact our self-esteem. Our appearance can suffer due to loose, missing, or damaged teeth and bad breath.
We must prioritize oral health by establishing a healthy and manageable routine and taking steps to prevent tooth decay. We can do this by watching what we eat and limiting sugary drinks and foods that negatively impact our body and teeth. We can also brush our teeth thoroughly at least twice daily, floss, and use mouthwash. It’s also critical to have regular dental exams and checkups to maintain our oral health and detect oral diseases early, such as oral cancer.
How can readers get connected to affordable oral healthcare services, regardless of insurance status?
If someone is uninsured, they can apply for Medicaid. If they qualify, they can receive access to dental health providers. Additionally, they can reach out to the University of Pittsburgh’s Community Outreach Program to get connected with affordable oral health care services regardless of insurance status. You can also Google “free dental clinics in Pittsburgh” to get a list of options.
How can readers create a manageable oral wellness routine? Can you share any personal tips?
I recommend that everyone educate themselves on the importance of maintaining good oral health, preserving their teeth, and improving their quality of life.
For me personally, I try to maintain my dental health by brushing my teeth twice daily and more often, if needed. I try to brush my teeth for a total of two minutes. I also thoroughly floss my teeth and use mouthwash. It’s also important to drink a lot of water and limit our sugar intake, especially sugary juices and soda. Not only does this help your teeth, but also supports a healthy body weight for overall health. I cannot stress enough the importance of eating a healthy diet, including fruits and vegetables and lean meats —and avoiding fried and overly processed convenience food.
Carlos T. Carter is President and CEO of Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh.
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