In many Indian households, health conversations center around turmeric, home remedies, balanced meals, and academic achievement. We are raised to value physical strength, mental focus, and educational excellence. Yet one crucial aspect of health is often overlooked: oral health. Regular dental visits are not prioritized, and discussions around gum disease, oral cancer, or preventive care are rare, if not absent.

As a licensed dentist from India and a current Master of Public Health candidate in the United States, I have observed firsthand the serious consequences of this cultural gap. Indian Americans, like many South Asian groups, are at increased risk for several chronic diseases that are closely linked to oral health, yet the conversation within our communities remains minimal. This silence is not simply a matter of oversight—it is a significant public health concern.

Oral health is deeply intertwined with overall health. Scientific research has consistently shown a strong connection between oral infections, especially periodontal disease, and systemic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Chronic inflammation in the gums can exacerbate blood sugar imbalances, while uncontrolled diabetes, in turn, weakens the body’s ability to fight oral infections. It is a cyclical relationship that few in our community are made aware of, even though Indian Americans face a disproportionately high risk for metabolic and cardiovascular disorders.

In clinical practice, I frequently encountered Indian patients who delayed seeking dental care until the pain became unmanageable. Preventive check-ups, early diagnosis of gum issues, and routine cleanings are often dismissed as nonessential or even indulgent. For many, dental care remains reactive rather than proactive—a mindset that leads to worsening disease and higher treatment costs.

This is not simply an issue of personal choice. It is also the result of structural and cultural barriers. Many first-generation Indian immigrants find the American healthcare system overwhelming and expensive, particularly when it comes to dental care, which is often excluded from basic health insurance plans. Older adults may depend on their children to manage appointments, understand complex terminology, and cover costs. Language barriers, lack of awareness, and economic constraints compound the issue.

Additionally, cultural habits brought from South Asia can increase oral health risks. The use of products such as betel nut, paan, and gutka, though less common among younger generations, still persists within older Indian populations. These substances are linked to oral cancer, a condition that disproportionately affects South Asians. Unfortunately, very few public health campaigns offer education about these risks in Indian languages or through culturally relevant channels. As a result, these concerns often go unspoken, and early signs of disease are missed.

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The lack of oral health awareness also reflects a broader disconnect in the way health is understood and discussed in Indian families. While we often exchange advice about managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels, conversations about swollen gums, bleeding during brushing, or persistent bad breath are rare and, at times, stigmatized. This silence has real consequences. Beyond pain and tooth loss, poor oral health can affect speech, nutrition, confidence, and even social mobility.

Fortunately, we have the tools to address this challenge—if we choose to use them.

First, we must acknowledge that oral health is not a cosmetic concern. It is a fundamental aspect of preventive healthcare. Families should be encouraged to treat dental visits the same way they approach physical checkups or vision tests. Awareness needs to begin at home, with parents educating children early and modeling good habits themselves.

Second, we need more culturally tailored outreach. Information on oral health should be made available in languages like Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, and Gujarati, and delivered through trusted community spaces such as temples, gurdwaras, and cultural associations. If we can organize health fairs that include blood pressure and glucose screenings, we can just as easily incorporate oral cancer exams or dental hygiene workshops.

Third, there is a policy opportunity to expand dental benefits in government-funded health insurance programs. Many low-income adults, including Indian immigrants, are left without dental coverage once they age out of employer-sponsored plans. By advocating for more inclusive public health coverage that addresses dental needs, we can reduce preventable suffering in our communities.

Finally, we must talk about these issues. It is time to normalize discussions around dental pain, gum disease, and oral cancer risks within our families and social networks. If we can share recipes and doctor referrals on messaging apps, we can certainly remind one another to prioritize dental care.

As a researcher, I have studied the systemic impacts of oral disease. As a dentist trained in India, I have treated patients in pain whose problems could have been avoided with earlier care. And as a woman of South Asian heritage, I have experienced the cultural barriers that still shape our community’s views of health. These experiences have convinced me that we cannot achieve health equity for Indian Americans without including the mouth in the conversation.

Oral health is not secondary. It is essential. And it is time we treated it that way—not only in our healthcare systems, but in our homes, our policies, and our priorities.