Missing Teeth: Reviewing The Sociology Of Oral Health And Healthcare

Both the US Surgeon General and the World Health Organization have called for further social scientific research on the social determinants of oral health. Oral disease can have detrimental effects on quality of life, having been linked with physical, mental, and social impairments. This article reviews the recent literature pertaining to the sociology of oral health and healthcare. The purpose of this review is to summarize and revive a necessary field. In order to maintain a focus on the United States and expand into other social science disciplines, relevant anthropological works were also included. The review discusses five key areas in both the sociology and anthropology of oral health. Of the 25 included articles, research maintained a focus on the dental profession, the construction of oral health, the mouth and the social self, social factors in dental care, and cultural assumptions of oral health. While the reviewed studies have aided in closing the gap, much of the research has been conducted outside of the United States, has used oral health as a case study for larger arguments, and has not considered the role of social inequality. Future research is necessary to more fully frame oral health and healthcare in society