Season 4: Episode 12: World Oral Health Day - A Happy Mouth Helps to Create a Happy Life!

Send us Fan MailMarch 20 is World Oral Health Day—and the 2026 theme says it all: "A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life."But here's the reality: Oral disease is the most common chronic condition in the world. 3.5 billion people are affected globally. And in the United States, 1 in 5 adults has untreated tooth decay right now—causing pain, missed work, and serious health complications that extend far beyond the mouth.In this episode of The Home Health Care Today Show, Dr. Cleamon Moorer, Jr. sits down with Dr. Michelle Kohler, DDS—Chief Dental Officer and Director of Government Programs at Delta Dental of Michigan—to explore the critical connection between oral health and overall health.About Our Guest:🦷 Dr. Michelle Kohler, DDS – Chief Dental Officer & Director of Government Programs, Delta Dental of Michigan. Dr. Kohler leads clinical strategy and oversees government programs including Medicaid and Medicare dental coverage. She is passionate about expanding access to dental care for underserved communities and improving oral health outcomes across Michigan.Topics Covered:✅ Why your mouth is the gateway to your overall health✅ The connection between gum disease and heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's✅ How untreated tooth decay impacts children's learning and adults' productivity✅ What Michiganders need to know about dental coverage through Medicaid and Medicare✅ Simple daily habits that can transform your oral health✅ Resources for those who lack dental insurance or fear the dentistKey Statistics:3.5 billion people worldwide suffer from oral diseases9 out of 10 adults have experienced tooth decay1 in 5 U.S. adults has untreated cavities right now42% of adults over 30 have some form of gum diseaseGum disease is linked to nearly 60 other health conditions including heart disease and diabetes76.5 million Americans lack dental insuranceDental problems cause 34 million lost school hours and 92 million lost work hours annuallyThe U.S. spends $124 billion on dental care each yearYour mouth tells the story of your health. It's time to start listening.📺  The Home Health Care Today Show airs every Saturday at 10am on WMYD TV-20 Detroit.🎙️ Listen to the PodcastAvailable on Buzzsprout, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcastsProudly sponsored by Meridian, a Centene Corporation company."Care. Above All Else."🔗 Resources:World Oral Health Day: https://www.worldoralhealthday.orgDelta Dental of Michigan: https://www.deltadentalmi.comFind a Dentist (ADA): https://www.ada.org/findadentistMichigan Department of Health & Human Services (Medicaid Dental): https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs