Oral Health Is Public Health: Why We Must Treat the Mouth as Central to Whole-Body Health.
When most of us think about health equity, we focus on access to doctors, healthy food, or affordable medications. But one piece that’s too often left out? Oral health.
In this week’s episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, I had the chance to sit down with Pam Oren-Artzi, COO of GRIN, a digital oral health platform working to close gaps in care for the 57 million Americans living in oral care deserts.
Pam shared a powerful reminder:
“Our mouth, while overlooked, is actually central to our overall medical health.”
Why Oral Health Matters
Oral health isn’t just about teeth. It’s about prevention, equity, and dignity. Poor oral care has been linked to:
- Heart disease and stroke
- Diabetes complications
- Cognitive decline
- Premature birth
- Lost wages and job opportunities due to untreated dental issues
When oral health suffers, entire communities suffer — medically, socially, and economically.
How Technology Helps
GRIN is proving that innovation can change this story. Their tools allow providers to scan patients in schools, long-term care facilities, and even homes — no broadband or dental office required.
The results speak for themselves:
- Providers report being 2x more efficient, saving hours every week
- Patients in one study saw a 53% reduction in plaque over 6–12 months with teledentistry interventions
- Fewer families are forced to miss work or travel long distances just to receive basic dental care
Building Equity Into Tech
What I loved most about this conversation was Pam’s point that equity can’t be bolted on later. It has to be part of the design from the very beginning.
By focusing on simplicity, affordability, and accessibility, GRIN is ensuring its technology uplifts entire communities rather than widening the gap.
Listen to the full episode → HERE
Watch the interview on YouTube → HERE
Oral health is public health. And as Pam reminded me, “the mouth is the front door into the body.” It’s time we start treating it that way.
Stay well,
Corey Dion Lewis
Founder, The Healthy Project
