Dear readers,
Over the years, whenever one of her teeth hurt, Madam Seng Whay, 78, opted to have it extracted instead of treated, because she always felt the costs were too high.
Today, she wears a set of dentures that she's had since 1986 – and she's reluctant to get a new set, because again she's worried about the cost.
This isn't just a cosmetic issue. Dental health affects an elderly person's nutrition, social participation, quality of life and functional independence, and may contribute to frailty too.
Even for younger individuals, dental health is a crucial aspect of one's overall health: Gum disease and oral bacteria are linked to broader systemic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and osteoporosis.
But dentists say patients of all ages often delay treatment, as they want to avoid the costs. The irony is that this often worsens the problem and leads to even more expensive treatment.
As Singapore's population ages and our understanding of oral health evolves, questions are growing about whether current subsidies and financing schemes are keeping pace.
In this week's Big Read, CNA TODAY looks at the financial barriers, the health implications and the debate over who should pay for Singapore's mounting dental bills.
Yours faithfully,
Yasmine Yahya
Deputy Chief Editor, CNA Digital (TODAY, Lifestyle & Luxury)
