FAMILY HEALTH
Dental
Good dental hygiene is more than just a beautiful smile. It’s prevention of gum disease, cavities, and other problems. In developing nations, dental care is often non-existent or unaffordable. Toothbrushes and toothpaste are luxury items, not necessities. Mercy Ships conducts free dental clinics to address untreated tooth decay and problems caused by lack of oral hygiene…and, of course, to provide free toothbrushes!
It might seem like ‘just a cavity’ on the outset… but the flow-on of treatment and prevention is much greater than that.
During a typical 10-month stay in port, we do more than just pull teeth, fill cavities, and fit patients for dentures. With an eye on the future, we work in the community to teach basic oral health education to children and adults, as well as train and mentor dental professionals.
Ronaldo
“I have a sister who came here before. She said, ‘Go there if you want to fix your teeth.’
So I came to see what they can do. I thought my front teeth would fall out. I don’t have money to spend at a dentist. Thanks to God I’ve been received.”