The Smile Gap: A History of Oral Health and Social Inequality (Volume 60) (McGill-Queen's Associated Medical Services Studies in the History of Medicine, Health, and Society)

A cultural and social history of oral health in Canada and the inequalities that persist. __The Smile Gap__, the first history of oral health in Canada, examines the enormous improvements to oral health and beauty over the past century. Catherine Carstairs reveals how dentistry not only affects our physical health but also impacts our self-image and the ways in which we relate to one another. "As recently as fifty years ago most people expected to lose their teeth as they aged. Few children benefited from braces to straighten their teeth, and cosmetic procedures to change the appearance of our smiles were largely unknown. Today, many Canadians enjoy straight, white teeth and far more of them are keeping their teeth for the entirety of their lives. Yet these advances have not reached everyone. The Smile Gap examines the enormous improvements that have taken place over the past century. The use of fluorides, emphasis on toothbrushing, the rise of cosmetic dentistry, and better access to dental care has had a profound effect on the oral health and beauty of Canadians. Yet while the introduction of employer-provided dental insurance in the 1970s has allowed for regular visits to the dentist for many people, a significant number of Canadians still lack access to good oral health care, especially disabled Canadians, those on social assistance, the working poor, the elderly, and new immigrants. At the same time, an attractive smile has become increasingly important in the workplace and in relationships. People with damaged and missing teeth are at a substantial disadvantage, not just because of the pain and suffering caused by poor oral health, but because we live in a society that prizes good teeth and warm smiles. The first history of oral health in Canada, The Smile Gap reveals that despite the gains made, too many Canadians go without any dental care, with damaging consequences for their oral health, general physical health, and self-image. To complete our health care system, it is time to close the gap."-- Provided by publisher As recently as fifty years ago most people expected to lose their teeth as they aged. Few children benefited from braces to straighten their teeth, and cosmetic procedures to change the appearance of smiles were largely unknown. Today, many Canadians enjoy straight, white teeth and far more of them are keeping their teeth for the entirety of their lives. Yet these advances have not reached everyone. The Smile Gap examines the enormous improvements that have taken place over the past century. The use of fluorides, emphasis on toothbrushing, the rise of cosmetic dentistry, and better access to dental care have had a profound effect on the oral health and beauty of Canadians. Yet while the introduction of employer-provided dental insurance in the 1970s has allowed for regular visits to the dentist for many people, a significant number of Canadians still lack access to good oral health care, especially disabled Canadians, those on social assistance, the working poor, the elderly, and new immigrants. At the same time, an attractive smile has become increasingly important in the workplace and in relationships. People with damaged and missing teeth are at a substantial disadvantage, not just because of the pain and suffering caused by poor oral health, but because we live in a society that prizes good teeth and warm smiles. The first history of oral health in Canada, The Smile Gap reveals that despite the gains made, too many Canadians go without any dental care, with damaging consequences for their oral health, general physical health, and self-image. To complete our health care system, it is time to close the gap. Cover 1 THE SMILE GAP 2 Title 6 Copyright 7 Contents 8 Figures 10 Acknowledgments 12 Introduction: Improving Smiles and Creating Gaps 18 1 Learning to Smile: Oral Health Education, Advertising, and Brushing 31 2 Fluoridating Smiles: Transforming Oral Health 58 3 Subsidizing Smiles: Public Dentistry for Designated Groups 84 4 Insuring Smiles: The Expansion of Dental Care and Its Limitations 111 5 Aging Smiles: Dentures, Implants, and Keeping Teeth for a Lifetime 132 6 Hollywood Smiles: The Rise of Cosmetic Dentistry 146 Conclusion: Filling the Gaps 165 Notes 170 Index 232