Dental disease hurts more than our teeth. It’s tied to our overall health. Tooth decay can risk our physical, mental, and economic wellbeing. It also strains state budgets. Policy barriers keep many people from getting the care and support they need to have good oral health. Due to structural racism and economic inequity, this most harms Black and Brown people, American Indian/Alaska Native communities, and people with low incomes. But with policy change, we can achieve good oral health for everyone.

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