Mental illnesses (brain disorders) can drastically change a person's overall quality of life. Like other illnesses, brain disorders create symptoms that can interfere with good oral healthcare.
Many individuals with mental illness take medications that cause Xerostomia (dry mouth). "Dry mouth" creates an imbalance in the normal flow of saliva in the mouth, which can often cause cavities, tooth erosion, gingivitis, and periodontis. These conditions have been linked to coronary artery disease, stroke, respiratory disease, diabetes and other health issues.
Even when individuals receive the health care they need to treat their illness, their dental health often goes unmanaged. Government sponsored health plans like Medicaid don't provide assistance for dental care and government disability benefits are insufficient to cover dental costs.
Smile for Hope was created because many of these individuals lack the means to pay for dental services on their own. Proceeds from Smile for Hope fund the Virginia Beach Community Trust Dental Fund which provides financial assistance to individuals with mental illness in need of dental care.
