Opinion: Medicare for All should guarantee coverage for oral health

With multiple “Medicare for All” proposals now circulating in Congress, opportunities arise to fix past mistakes that have segregated care for our mouths and teeth from the rest of our bodies. Polling shows that today’s universal coverage efforts are driven largely by public outcry that people can’t afford the health care they need to be happy, healthy, and successful. As this robust discussion continues, it’s time to include comprehensive dental care as a standard part of health coverage. No plan can fully address consumers’ concerns without it.

Regardless of than any other aspect of health care — even though oral health is a crucial part of overall well-being. Untreated dental disease is linked to . It can raise the risk for heart disease, make diabetes more difficult to manage, and may be linked to pregnancy complications such as premature birth. In childhood, tooth decay can harm healthy development and lead to , limiting students’ potential.