Oral health condition of the Maya community Essay

Oral health condition of the Maya community - Essay Example The results of the study showed that missing teeth correlated significantly with age. Gender, religion, income, and education levels were not related significantly related to missing teeth. The samples used had restored their teeth using amalgamated fillings, bridges, full dentures or crowns. Periodontal diseases occur in four stages; 1. Color change on gums, 2. Gums bleed, 3. Gums become sensitive, 4. Oral lesions appear. 45 % of the respondents showed two or more signs while 10% showed all the signs. 16% of the participants showed five symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Most of the respondents did not have access to preventive health. Instead, they used reactionary care that is the extraction of teeth either by themselves or by minimally educated participants. Interviewees had different reactions on tooth extraction. However, a larger percentage preferred tooth extraction since it eliminated acute pain. 54 respondents were aware that failing to brush their teeth was a cause of their teeth problems. The level of healthcare among the respondents was dependent on their income level. The respondents either visited an odontology or a dentist depending on how much money they had. The condition in the two differed in terms of qualification of the doctor, equipment, workspace and even aesthetic appearance of the facility. Some respondents found it expensive to purchase toothbrushes. Moreover, they could not afford dental care and thus waited until their teeth fell off.