This number serves as a stark reminder of the importance of dental care and the potential consequences of neglecting it. While significant, this number paints only part of the story. Behind each extraction lies a story of struggle and pain.
Tooth loss can be caused by a multitude of factors.
- Dental caries (cavities) — a common culprit — are caused by bacteria feeding on sugars in food, leading to enamel erosion and infection.
- Underlying medical conditions — like diabetes and autoimmune diseases — can affect your oral health. Uncontrolled diabetes, for instance, can impair healing in the gums, increasing the risk of gum disease.
- Gum disease — stemming from plaque buildup — can also loosen teeth and lead to their eventual loss.
- Genetic predispositions mean some people inherently have weaker tooth enamel or a higher risk of gum disease.
- Accidents or injuries can cause teeth to become fractured or knocked out entirely.
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy can also have a lasting impact on an individual’s oral health.
These issues — if left untreated — can have a profound impact on a person’s well-being. The pain associated with an abscessed tooth can be debilitating, and missing teeth can make it difficult to eat properly, leading to malnutrition and the negative downstream effects of vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Even the lack of a smile can negatively affect self-esteem and social interactions, which compromises a person’s mental health.
This is where RAM comes in. By offering free extractions, our volunteer providers alleviate the immediate pain and discomfort that our patients experience. And the free fillings and cleanings that are offered at RAM Clinics help preserve patients’ smiles.
The success of our March expeditions, and all our endeavors, wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering dedication of our volunteers. Our volunteer dentists, hygienists, and medical professionals donate their invaluable time and expertise to serve those in need.
Additionally, countless volunteers from the communities we visit play a crucial role in setting up clinics, registering patients, and ensuring a smooth operation.
But how can you help? Even if you can’t volunteer your time in person, there are other ways to support RAM’s mission.
- Financial donations of any size allow us to continue providing free care and essential dental supplies.
- Spreading awareness — whether on social media or with friends — about our work encourages others to get involved, either by volunteering or donating.
Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Thanks to the combined efforts of our volunteers and donors, countless individuals received the dental care they desperately needed this March.
Together, we can continue to alleviate pain, restore smiles, and offer hope to those who need it most.