WV: Highest Tooth Loss Rate in Nation
WV: Highest Tooth Loss Rate in Nation Save Email Print
Posted: 5:57 PM Sep 6, 2008
 Last Updated: 5:57 PM Sep 6, 2008
 Reporter: The Associated Press
Email Address: News@wsaz.com
126 comments
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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) -- Researchers found advanced gum disease in 80 percent of adults studied for a major oral health study in Appalachia.

The project by West Virginia University and the University of Pittsburgh tracked 445 families in both states.

Richard Crout, associate dean for research at WVU's School of Dentistry, said the study shows rampant periodontal disease in adults, with signs of bone loss in 85 percent of subjects.

Left untreated, periodontitis can lead to bone destruction, tooth loss and even heart disease or stroke.

West Virginia has the highest rate of tooth loss in the country, with a third of residents 35 or younger having lost at least six permanent teeth.

Crout wants more resources for early dental treatment to instill good oral health habits.
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Posted by: Big P on Sep 11, 2008 at 10:16 PM
Hey JC, internet is $10-$14 per month??? It must still be dial-up!!! When WV gets this thing called DSL or Broadband, you will see a slight increase in your bill, if think you can use it. Oh yea, Broadband is not the Lapband for Broads!!! You bunch of toothless people are funny. Keep going, you'll get there!
Posted by: TO JC on Sep 11, 2008 at 06:58 PM
I am not sure what point you are trying to make. I am just trying to make a generalized gathering of information. You cant get cable internet without actual cable itself, just like you cant get DSL without having a phone line (which includes a monthly bill) Its an add on, to the bill. I am not sure but my mom has dial up and its still $23.00 a month! However, I see you point with the X-rays, but usually with symptoms and family history, you will be able to tell who is prone to gum disease. Flossing, and using dental floss while brushing, almost elimates the possibility of having gum diseases. Its a proven fact. Question number 1 at the dentist..."do you brush regularly", then they go from there if you say NO. Lets just say that people used the cheapest form of internet which is dial up, the phone line itself costs $50 a month, then add the cheapest dial up $23, adds up to be $73. Anyway, not trying to show you up, just trying to help everyone see the point.
Posted by: Shannon on Sep 11, 2008 at 04:05 PM
I know people who have better dental insurance than I do and they don't have a tooth in their head. I think some of it has to do with the fear of going to the dentist. I have to admit, I went on a blind date a couple of weeks ago and the guy was really cute until he smiled. When he did, he barely had a tooth in his head and his breath about knocked me over. Ironically, he was from West Virginia....and no, there wasn't a 2nd date!
Posted by: JC on Sep 11, 2008 at 02:12 PM
Dentists are not cheap. Even IF you have dental insurance. And, computers are not a luxery item, anyone that goes to school or works has to know how to use a computer, and do research on it as well. Any dentists that are cheap provide cheap dental care, which in turn, can be linked to people with dental problems. Maybe, also, some people who do not receive assistance forego their own cleanings so their children can get the cleanings. And, keep in mind, it is not just a dental cleaning when you go. You are hit with several hundred dollars of x-rays each time you visit as well. And, if you are not getting x-rays, the cleaning doesn't matter when you need those x-rays to tell if there is gum disease. You freaks act like we are fine with losing teeth or having dental problems, when this is a very serious situation that has nothing to do with laziness. The fact that the toothbrush was invented here should tell you that. Also,Internet is not $90 a month either. Try $10-$14 per month.
Posted by: To KY BUT DOESNT MATTER on Sep 10, 2008 at 11:17 PM
No I believe it was your whole Family I saw!!
Posted by: lucky on Sep 10, 2008 at 11:03 PM
hey dont knocked the people from w.va. i dated a girl from fort gay she had three teeth and she carried two of them in her pocket
Posted by: big b from ky. on Sep 10, 2008 at 10:53 PM
thats why they cant make a crime stick theres no dental records and all the dna the same
Posted by: Fred on Sep 10, 2008 at 10:27 PM
You bunch of toothless people are sooo funny! Keep it up toothless dummys!!!
Posted by: wow on Sep 10, 2008 at 09:51 PM
This may have already been posted, but you do know that the tooth brush was invented in WV. If it was invented anywhere else it would be called the teeth brush
Posted by: one tooth, one hope on Sep 10, 2008 at 09:44 PM
I actually love how the people of huntington, and everywhere regardless are talking about affording heathcare. The crazy thing is about the whole situation is that there are some comments on here about not affording to be able to pay for your dental obligations. Here is my question. (and i am being serious not to bash anyone) How are you affording the computer that you are on along with the DSL or cable internet. Computer = $500 , cable internet = $90/ month. But yet we are worried about paying for dental. I think out priorities are a little out of order. If you save all your money you are paying for this computer and service, you will be able to afford your heathcare. AND, a little hint, dental cleanings only cost less than $100 and that is without insurance. However, we are complaining dropping $500 on the computer/laptop we HAD to have. THINK ABOUT IT BEFORE YOU COMPLAIN.I think the people without these ammenities are the people who need it the most.sadly they wont see this comment
Posted by: Ky but doesn't matter on Sep 10, 2008 at 09:38 PM
Hey Chris and Crestkid, you guys cousins or what. Probably looking out your own windows and looking at your own kids. You guys are from KY and know it. Quit kidding everyone!
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 10, 2008 at 09:09 PM
what are idiots ?do they not have teeth or those of you that call people idiots are you related to the tooth fairy ?
Posted by: toofless wonder on Sep 10, 2008 at 04:56 PM
Think about it... would you rather be bald with a full set of teeth, or toothless with a full head of hair?...chat amongst yourself...
Posted by: baller with a budget on Sep 10, 2008 at 04:54 PM
i lost my teef sellin em to the toof fairy for gas money
Posted by: Lincoln County Teeth Man on Sep 10, 2008 at 04:20 PM
This is why I'm voting Republican in November.
Posted by: Frank on Sep 10, 2008 at 01:17 PM
If we had the right amount of air in our tires we could afford the gas it takes to get to the dentist.
Posted by: if on Sep 10, 2008 at 12:45 PM
if they would vote democrat this wouldnt happen...lol
Posted by: Voter on Sep 10, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Frank, In your first post you were putting down people in this state, and I took offense to it. Now you think I'm a liberal looking for handouts. Most folks that have insurance through their place of employment does not include dental or vision coverage. Insurance companies and employers to not consider your teeth and eyes health. Lucky for me, I have a dentist that will take payments, but most dentists and endodonists want their money up front for services. Just so you'll know, I've been registered Republican since 1980, I agree with drilling here, I will be voting for McCain/Palin, I'm against the smoking ban, I have a 27" tv that was given to me, and the guys at Wal-Mart checked my tire pressure when I was in for an oil change two weeks ago.
Posted by: TO FRANK on Sep 10, 2008 at 12:27 PM
You are a genuis. Thank you for stating the obvious. Too bad nobody will listen. I am poor as dirt but I still have all my teeth. I am poor because I choose to stay home with my special needs child. I will go to work when I am able. It is MY OWN responsibility to manage my health as best I can until I am able to afford health insurance. MY husband's insurance covers our kids but we cannot afford to have coverage for me. By the way, I do NOT have a plasma TV or cable. Haha!
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 10, 2008 at 12:00 PM
I agree, Laura. I knew the comments would be entertaining, but they are so much more hilarious than I expected.
Posted by: Wondering... on Sep 10, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Some of those posting about spelling mistakes should really think about their current profession and ask themselves if they wouldn't be happier as an English teacher.
Posted by: Chester Ray on Sep 10, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Teefs are overrated. I gum alls my food.
Posted by: Melinda on Sep 10, 2008 at 03:29 AM
ITS BECAUSE YOUR DAG DENTISTS CHARGE HIGH PRICES TO FIX YOUR TEETH AND IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE CASH UP FRONT YOUR GOING TO SUFFER, BECAUSE THEY WILL NOT TAKE PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS DUE TO UN-HONEST PEOPLE. AND THE PRICE THEY CHARGE IS WAY OVER ANYBODY'S POCKET TO AFFORD. WITH TWO JOBS YOU CANNOT AFFORD THE PAY, AND OUR STUPID POLITICIANS MAKE SURE WE HAVE PATHETIC JOBS WITH NO INSURANCE SO WE CANNOT GET THE HELP WE NEED.
Posted by: Why on Sep 9, 2008 at 11:00 PM
Why is this news everyone already knew this my gosh do they think we're blind too.Just another ranking where Wva rates at the bottom shouln't be so shocking But I wonder how they can be the most toothless and the second fattest guess they would be the biggest eaters of soft food also.
Posted by: TothepersontoLee on Sep 9, 2008 at 10:56 PM
Check your spelling. "There" means a location, etc. "They're", which you should've said, means "they are". To think, you called him a redneck, lol. By the way, your custom made toothbrush came in, equipped with 2 bristles, 1 for each tooth.
Posted by: JC on Sep 9, 2008 at 07:41 PM
With the experiences I have had with WV dentists, I can believe this. It doesn't necessarily mean that WV people don't brush their teeth. I have gone routinely to a neighborhood dentist every year. He wasn't taking care of my teeth. I thought he was, until I decided to go to another dentist with some minor concerns. I found out that at 34, I have gum disease. I floss, brush, everything, but that dentist was not cleaning my teeth right, therefore, bacteria set in and over time, it create pockets. I went right across the bridge to an Ohio dentist and found this stuff out. Now, I have to spend alot of money trying to save my teeth. When I contacted my previous dentist, I found out that he didn't even have x-rays on file for the past 10 years. That is how they could've seen that I was progressing into gum disease. Don't be so quick to blame on the people around here, these dentists charge alot of money and then don't take care of you.
Posted by: Laura on Sep 9, 2008 at 04:27 PM
You know the only reason I even read this article was because I wanted to see the amusing comments. And I was not disappointed.
Posted by: Susan on Sep 9, 2008 at 03:24 PM
WV communities have long suffered with substandard water quality. Private wells, when tested, are frequently found to contain an assortment of harmful contaminants, generally from runoff associated with strip mining. If WV wants to improve the dental health of its citizens, then one front of attack should be WATER QUALITY.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 9, 2008 at 03:20 PM
You know the tooth brush was invented in WV, because had it been invented anywhere else it would have been called the teeth brush.
Posted by: Funeral Home ? on Sep 9, 2008 at 03:15 PM
Do they keep false teeth at the funeral home????
Posted by: Amy on Sep 9, 2008 at 03:08 PM
I'm 37 years old and tooth snob. There I said it. I'm not ashamed of it. I have always taken care of my teeth and my mother worked her butt off so I could have braces, and now I have great teeth. There is no excuse for not taking care of your teeth. Like someone else said children of low income families can qualify for CHIPS and have it all paid for. You can go to a dental school and have work done for nothing or next to nothing if you meet the income guidelines. For the record I have no HEALTH OR DENTAL insurance and still manage to have my teeth cleaned twice a year and a check up. Education is the key people. Educate the people that are low income that they do have options instead of them just suffering and thinking there's nothing they can do.
Posted by: Redneck1000 on Sep 9, 2008 at 02:56 PM
Y'all need to smoke less bruch your teeth more often. I like rednecks.
Posted by: reading_comprehension on Sep 9, 2008 at 12:53 PM
If anyone would have really taken the time to read this article, they would have realized that ONLY 445 families were chosen for this so-called "study". In addition, the families were ONLY from WV and PA (West Virginia & Pennsylvania. Therefore, if we would not have been 1st between the two states we would have been 2nd. Not much of a choice is there? And they only researched 445 families? That is not even the total population of one town in West Virginia, nor I doubt Pennsylvania. I don't know why everyone is throwing such a fit and acting like the uneducated idiots we get stereotyped as being.
Posted by: former west virginian on Sep 9, 2008 at 12:39 PM
I admit most of my friends have their teeth. I lived 26 yrs there and my friends still live there. ALL still have their teeth and I didn't get my first cavity til I was 23. I understand insurance is a problem...but toothpaste isn't all that expensive and learning good oral habits are fairly easy. Also, coming from a position of working with foster children, I can see why it is a problem. They aren't raised to even bathe, let alone brush their teeth. They also have medicaid which pays for their dental cleaning twice a year and not a one of them take advantage of it. They way until they are 15,16 and have to have 2 or 3 taken out. By the time they are 30, often times younger, they are nearly toothless. Now, just so you know, these are families from OH, not WV, but it is all the same. Poor hygiene and education all they way around. They should be taught, but most don't see to care and are SO PROUD that they have no teeth. So as current WV residents, how do you make changes?
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 9, 2008 at 12:07 PM
I agree with Jewell... I moved to a big city after college and recently moved back to WV. There is nothing like the warm friendly people of WV. I would take the beautiful mountains and safe surroundings of WV over the big cities anyday and am very happy to be back!!! People are ignorant and judge everything about WV because they dont know what it is really like.. Not that everything is perfect, but like I said, I would take the problems of WV over the murders and traffic of anywhere else!!! :)
Posted by: WVSoccerMom on Sep 9, 2008 at 11:51 AM
I would not read this article for days because I knew the comments would make me mad. This problem is everywhere. In every state. Dental care is not affordable for most no matter what state you are from even with dental insurance. Unfortunately when it comes to meeting daily needs/demands for most families...food / electric / etc. is going to come first. Dental care seems to always be put on the bottom of the list. I am going to say it again....I am proud to be from WV! (I have lived in larger cities in different states and I can tell you this is everywhere!) If you are living in another state and posting crap on here...look at your neighbors, children in your childs school, your grandparents on fixed incomes, etc. and think twice about what you say! I always tell my kids and think it would be something for the negative posters to live by also..."Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up!"
Posted by: Michael on Sep 9, 2008 at 11:32 AM
Grist for the mill.
Posted by: Shane on Sep 9, 2008 at 11:29 AM
All those in Alabama dodged another cultural stereotype.
Posted by: Christopher on Sep 9, 2008 at 11:24 AM
I am too poor to go to the dentist most of the time. At 47 I have lost three teeth and have one that's broke off. But the lat time I WAS ABLE to go to the dentist she gave me some good advice. Rinsing daily with mouth wash DEFINITELY helps. And it doesn't have to be the expensive name brand mouth wash. It can be from the Family Dollar store. It has slowed my teeth problems way down. I know a LOT OF people who suffer in agony trying to adjust to DENTURES. They gag and they aren't nearly as good as real teeth. If you have more than seven or eight good teeth left mouth wash can help.
Posted by: ferd on Sep 9, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Quit taking meth and your teeth will quit breaking off.
Posted by: Frank on Sep 9, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Drill HERE, drill now!!!
Posted by: Frank on Sep 9, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Hey Voter. I are a dumb hillbilly. I just don't want to depend on the corrupt government for my sustainence. It's about education. It's about hygene. It's about brushing and flossing and less sugar and no tobacco. You can have g'ment provided insurance and still lose all of your teeth. It's about taking charge of your own life and not blaming your problems on someone else. Most people don't have teeth because they don't care. Quit complaining about what you don't have and work for it. I can't tell you how many people within blocks of my house live in a delapidated home but they are watching a 52 inch plasma T.V. It's about living within your means and prioritizing your life. Pull yourself up by the bootstraps. If you don't have any boots, get to work and get some. You libs are going to make it impossible for anyone to have anything that they are not told they can have. NO THANKS. It IS about spelling and it's not about typos (gingivitis). Oh yeah, please check the air in your tires.
Posted by: Jeff on Sep 9, 2008 at 10:13 AM
I agree with Paul who commented yesterday. It is really annoying when doctors and really any kind of aid goes out to foreign countries, especially ones that hate us, and we leave our own citizens to literally rot. I wish all of these activist philanthropists would turn to their own backyards first and take care of our folks first!
Posted by: Snakemeister on Sep 9, 2008 at 09:56 AM
Crout sounds just like yet another self serving Do-Gooder looking for a government grant.I suspect that WV's dental health would compare favorably with any intercity if Crout would look there. But then how would Crout get any government grants[with him being in WV]? People know how to care for their teeth and besides some people just have bad teeth.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 9, 2008 at 09:31 AM
In response to Debbie-Posted by: Debbie on Sep 7, 2008 at 01:46 AM WaaaaaaaaaaaaaaHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! Stop depending on other people for your health care. All of us who don't have gov't sponsored health care have to PAY for our own. Try it yourself, get off your butt, and do something about it, instead of waiting for everyone else to. So what if there's no flourine in your water. There's PLENTY of it in toothpaste!!! So take your money and buy some, and stop buying your children all of "sugar-loaded" quick-fix meals and cook them something that is real food.
Posted by: To LEE on Sep 9, 2008 at 09:26 AM
Yea there talking about WV but Im telling everone to open there eyes and look at KY! Im sure you live in Ky and have all your teeth but sorry fake ones dont count. Redneck!
Posted by: Chris on Sep 9, 2008 at 07:01 AM
To Crestkid, that must have been your part of the Woods in KY that I saw all the kids with no teeth at. Sorry to offend you!
Posted by: To Crestkid on Sep 9, 2008 at 06:48 AM
Im guessing your from the sticks in Ky! I can see the truth hurts! HUH!
Posted by: Wv Hillbilly on Sep 9, 2008 at 03:14 AM
Y is every1 gett'n on my state and Lee @10:35 pm the guy who posted that is just 1 fella so dont start trash talk'n Wv or ur state will get it n return I realize u r probably proud of ur state as I am of mine but dont take 1 guys comment an use it as an excuse 2 attack this state
Posted by: Jewell on Sep 9, 2008 at 12:47 AM
Call us whatever... I am from WV. and very proud of it... You, that like trashing us.. if you really knew us.. you would learn to like us.. Most of us are honest, hardworking and very good people..
Posted by: Sadie on Sep 9, 2008 at 12:37 AM
I live in Ohio and the dental benefits are abit better then WVA. But I had perfect teeth 9 months ago. Never had a cavity, my gums are good and everything. Then suddenly at the end of 2007 my teeth started breaking off one by one and sometimes 5 at a time. The dentist said he never seen anything like it and didn't know what to do since there wasn't anything else wrong with my gums or bones. But it was a few West Virgina doctors that refused to figure out what was going on with my teeth to make me lose them. So I ended up having to get the rest of them pulled in May. Still without any idea why they were breaking off in the first place. I always took great care of my teeth I always had the best teeth in my family and never ever had any problems till last year. The sad part about it is. I'm only 29.
Posted by: paul on Sep 8, 2008 at 11:52 PM
I wonder how much it cost to do this survey probably a few million that they could have spent on helping people go to the dentist! Wv, Ky or where ever you live wasted money like this is why everything is in such bad shape, why even do this what purpose does it serve? Next time spend the money helping instead of stirring up a bunch of nonsense that will soon be forgot about and millions of dollars spent and forgot about and nothing gained!!
Posted by: Lee on Sep 8, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Hey Chris this article is about West Virginia not Kentucky. Take a good look around your state you have plenty to worry about without concerning yourself with Kentucky. Ok WV hick.
Posted by: CrestKid on Sep 8, 2008 at 10:25 PM
Hey Chris (Sep8, 5:19pm), before you talk trash about Kentucky, maybe you should check the spelling on your word "sware"... yeah, not so much, try "swear". Even if those "back road 15 year old kids" have five teeth, I guarantee they could out-spell you! Go floss your tooth.
Posted by: BADMAN on Sep 8, 2008 at 10:16 PM
I thought inbreeding caused tooth decay?
Posted by: Dianna on Sep 8, 2008 at 09:26 PM
I work for a large employer in the Huntington area and we are not eligible for dental insurance until we have worked there for at least a year. But, they hire most of their workers part-time (but schedule full-time hours with "promises" of a full-time position). So, I have to be offered a full-time position and work for a year after that before I can even think about being eligible for dental insurance. I would go to the dentist if I could afford it!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 8, 2008 at 08:59 PM
save money on toothpaste
Posted by: A on Sep 8, 2008 at 06:03 PM
This article is to funny. But like jamie said this should not be a surprise. When watching the news when interviewing folks from WV most are toothless.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 8, 2008 at 05:24 PM
Go to the nearest funeral home if you need a set of teeth. They got boxes full of them, all you got to do is try them on and find a set that fits.
Posted by: Chris on Sep 8, 2008 at 05:19 PM
Honestly have you ever seen the back roads in Kentucky? I sware there are 15 year old kids with 5 teeth left in there heads.
Posted by: RoaneCo. on Sep 8, 2008 at 05:00 PM
Anon on Sep 8, 2008 at 11:06 AM I am glad you posted that comment. I have been saying for years big business does a lot of talking about having a healthy workforce but money speaks louder than actions. Why do you think big business hates insurance and FMLA so bad. If I had a dime for every time I was told in a company meeting that "our employees are our greatest asset" or "investing in our employees is an investment in our future" I wouldn't have to work another day. Well I have done a little "thinking outside the box" and I think big business is full of talk and empty of actions. I was going to trade my "7 Habits" in for two but the Kanawha County Health Department says I can't smoke in a bar anymore. I guess all the working men and woman need to get together and do some "problem solving". But then some republican would come by and accuse us of organizing and have us all fired.
Posted by: CrestKid on Sep 8, 2008 at 04:20 PM
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA, what a SHOCKER!
Posted by: Paul on Sep 8, 2008 at 04:09 PM
Ever sit and wonder why dentists take these far off trips and do FREE dental care in foreign countries, yet refuse to do anything for those at home in the USA? If they hate their own country THAT much, why don;t they just go on a trip to do their free care, and stay?
Posted by: Eers Fan on Sep 8, 2008 at 03:19 PM
The highest concentration was in the southern part of the state. Mostly MU fans.
Posted by: GOOD NEWS on Sep 8, 2008 at 02:29 PM
Heyy yall! My name is Jim Bone and I wanted to tell yall that this article is posted on a Europe website. Be proud!
Posted by: Voter on Sep 8, 2008 at 02:24 PM
To Frank, I guess you can't spell from your Ivory Tower either. It's about the lack of insurance here folks, not as Frank would have you believe that we're dumb hillbillies.
Posted by: Rob on Sep 8, 2008 at 01:58 PM
Blacksheep, kill the caps please and learn punctuation.
Posted by: My Tooth Sense on Sep 8, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Dental care for adults is very expensive. I had a root canal on a tooth that broke off and then I had a crown put on it - $1500 not counting the money I spent on antibiotics and Vicodin. I am thankful that I had insurance and out of pocket was about $200. There is more education in the school about taking care of your teeth - children can get coverage through Medicaid and WV CHIPS and get their teeth cleaned, pulled, capped, flouride treatements, x-rays, root canals, whatever they need. Sometimes it has to do with not brushing and other times it is heriditary. The article said that they tested WV and Pennsylvania....then they said that they were the highest ranked in the country...where did that information come from????
Posted by: debbie on Sep 8, 2008 at 01:52 PM
and yet Jeff repub run states like Colorado, Indianna, California, Nevada, etc. etc. are having the most problem with foreclosures, high property taxes, Indianna jacked theirs up recently and many saw a 300% increase. Yes that is preferable. Before you start spewing your rhetoric off topic, check your facts
Posted by: Debbie on Sep 8, 2008 at 01:47 PM
Not a hillbilly, pay no attention to idiots, fact is tobacco chewers may stain their teeth, but it doesn't cause tooth loss, as a matter of fact they get fewer cavities, because it stimulates saliva production. Might get oral cancer though.
Posted by: jamie on Sep 8, 2008 at 12:28 PM
go figure Wv with no teeth and this suprises people......hell 15% of huntington's population either lives in slum housing and has no problem with it or has no home at all...other than the western regional jail that is....who would worry about their teeth??
Posted by: Ray on Sep 8, 2008 at 12:26 PM
What is this thing that they speak of called a toothbrush? Tell me more.
Posted by: E on Sep 8, 2008 at 11:37 AM
I would do some serious research on Flouride before you put it into your mouth. Ever wonder why you have to call poison control if you swallow more than a pea size blob of toothpaste? Great, I can "allegedly" have better teeth if I use this extremely poisonous rinse... This report was written by a dentist lookin gfor more dental grant money. It's group of 445 is so insignificant when compared to the population of the states is covers it's laughable to think it carries any statistical weight.
Posted by: Anon on Sep 8, 2008 at 11:06 AM
Speaking of dental insurance... The last company I worked for refused to authorize a group dental plan that would have allowed employees access to dental and eye care. This meant NO extra cost to the employer, just a little extra time for payroll, who wanted the additional insurance as well. Wanna know why the CEO and President would not allow the additional insurance? Direct quote, they "don't want people taking off work for those appointments." Yeah people, really...
Posted by: Debbie on Sep 8, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Black sheep where the heck are you buying 50 cent toothbrushes? Most ones worth buying are 2 to 3 dollars. Dental floss is pretty cheap. Too many people don't floss. Also the tendency for cavities and gum disaease is hereditary according to my dentist. If so few people are going, why does it take six months to get an after school appointment with the hygienist? I am into middle age and have lost one tooth in the back, after 3 failed root canals, and about 2000 dollars out of pocket (I have insurance) it was finally pulled. Even with insurance a lot of folks simply can't afford that.
Posted by: Amy on Sep 8, 2008 at 09:58 AM
I can sympathize w/ Kathy about having stained teeth. I was given the wrong medicine when I was young that left me, fortunately that was all) w/ my 2 front teeth with a yellowish stain on them. Since I'm an adult and have my permanent teeth (all of them) that's obviously no longer an issue w/ me. To Anonymous on Sep 7, 2008 at 01:18 AM; I had no idea that people would want their teeth pulled just so they can get pain pills!!!??? Personally, I think the main reason this article is so true is that the dentists charge an outrageous amount, even w/ dental ins. People just can't affort an easy $300 out of pocket feet for going to the dentist. My son had 1 small filling, cleaning, x-rays and a new cap (born w/ no enamal on that tooth) & my out of pocket expense was $349. WITH insurance--CRAZY!!!
Posted by: Not a "Hillbilly" on Sep 8, 2008 at 09:36 AM
I am 34 years old, work full time and have NO DENTAL INSURANCE. I am a single mother and spend every dollar I earn paying the mortgage, utilities, buying gas and groceries. There is nothing leftover for routine dental care...as a result, I have had to let cavities go until they hurt, at which time all I can scrape together is enough to have the teeth pulled. I am not a redneck, nor do I use methamphetamine or chew tobacco. I resent being lumped into a category of dope addicts and tobacco chewers simply because I cannot afford to go to the dentist on a routine basis and have lost several of my permanent teeth.
Posted by: Frank on Sep 8, 2008 at 09:16 AM
I don't even have to look to see that 80% of these posters probably have more than a few teeth missing. Bad grammar, bad spelling and gigivitis seem to go hand in hand! Keep voting straight party ticket you toothless wonders! Oh and by the way, when you see a television camera, please run in the opposite direction!
Posted by: Anon on Sep 8, 2008 at 08:34 AM
I am more upset by the ignorance in the comments then I am by the story. Tooth loss and decay are things that happen in every state in the union. Yes, there are a lot of folks that suck the system. This happens in every other state as well. I get tired of seeing people make fun of WV. None of you are better than anyone else. That is part of what's wrong with this world. Get over yourselves. I am proud to be from WV. To prove that none of you are better than we West Virginians, look at some of your posts. They not only prove a lack of sociological intelligence, but they also prove a deficiency in other areas. For example, grammar.
Posted by: Jeff on Sep 8, 2008 at 08:21 AM
What is there to expect from West Virginia? The same democratic cronies have been in power for over 70 years and they've done nothing but make WV first in everything "bad" and last in everything that is "good". Every election when John Q. Public pulls the handle for yet another democratic crony that's another tooth lost.
Posted by: Joe on Sep 8, 2008 at 07:10 AM
The high schools are full of kids using dip. I would beat my kids arse if he was walking around with brown teeth spitting in a bottle. Sign of ignorance.
Posted by: BLACKSHEEP on Sep 8, 2008 at 07:04 AM
TO ROB....WHY ARE YOU CORRECTING MY TYPING? THE POINT IS THAT YOU READ ON WHAT I HAD TO SAY. SO....YOU GO PAY YOUR DAIL-UP BILL. TO "I WORK FOR A DENTIST" I GO TO THE DENTIST MORE THAT JUST TWICE A YEAR, BUT THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE THAT JUST WONT GO. YES I KNOW THAT THE FLOURIDE RINSE FROM WAL-MART AINT ENOUGH, BUT EVERYLITTLE BIT DOES HELP. SO THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR PEOPLE NOT TO GO ......THIS IS MY OPINION....SO GET OVER IT
Posted by: flouride free on Sep 8, 2008 at 04:43 AM
flouride is posion from the allumium industry google it and read!!!!
Posted by: BILL on Sep 8, 2008 at 12:44 AM
WHO SITS AROUND TO FIGURE UP THESE STATS? THESE STATS ARE SOMETHING JUST TO GET A TOPIC STARTED AND TO DOWN GRADE THAT PARTICULAR AREA OR STATE OR WHATEVER . THIS IS SOMETHING THAT IS NOT EVEN NEWS WORTHY OR SHOULD EVEN BE PUT ON THE NEWS. THERE HAS TO BE OTHER THINGS OUT THERE TO TALK ABOUT. WHY EMBARASS THE STATE? WHO CARES ABOUT TOOTHBRUSHES AND TOOTH PASTE. IT BOILS DOWN TO HOW THAT PERSON WANTS TO TAKE CARE OF THERE TEETH. IT IS THAT PERSONS RIGHT TO NOT TAKE CARE OF THERE TEETH OR WHATEVER THE CASE MAY BE. THE NEXT REPORTING WILL BE WHICH STATE THE CITIZENS SUFFER FROM HAIR LOSS THE MOST. GET REAL WSAZ, FIND SOMETHING NEWS WORTHY. IM SURE THIS WONT BE POSTED. HERE LATELY I HAVE BEEN SUBMITTING COMMENTS WITHOUT ANY VULGARITY AND THREAT BUT WITH MY OPINION AND YOU ALL PICK AND CHOOSE WHICH ONE YOU WANT TO PUT ON HERE.
Posted by: dave on Sep 7, 2008 at 10:54 PM
Cob your dumber then a bag of hammers buddy.That movie was not made in WV it was made in the state of Georgia.So before you go making fun of any body get your facts straight.And for Black Sheep learn to spell please you are one of the many reasons people make fun of us.The word rinse is not spelled rise.
Posted by: Wv Hillbilly on Sep 7, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Hey DONT USE MY NAME!! SEP 7 5:04 I am the real Wv Hillbilly I love my state and DONT ANY1 LISTEN 2 THIS FREAK ABOUT THIS
Posted by: Work for a dentist! on Sep 7, 2008 at 10:14 PM
Talk to your dentist! I work for one! If you have well water you are supposed to take flouride tablets! Going to the dentist 2 times a year is not enough! Neither is the rinse that is purchased from your local Wal-Mart! It does not have enough flouride in the rinse! So check your facts before you spout your mouth!
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 7, 2008 at 09:46 PM
Why can't we be ranked next year as the state with the most improved dental health? I tell ya why Pablo, to many meth heads in this area.. I too have known people to go to the er for a bad tooth to get pain pills. So cob tell me if you can, where was the movie deliverance filmed? Come on don't cheat, just something off the top of your head..
Posted by: Rob on Sep 7, 2008 at 09:17 PM
"DONT, IM, DONT, DONT, ADED, FLOUTIDE RISE, LAAAAZZZIIIIEEE, IM" BLACKSHEEP, you are just another prime example of why people make fun of us. Now put your glasses back on and go pay your dial up bill.
Posted by: booger on Sep 7, 2008 at 06:05 PM
Ladies and Gentlemen, let me introduce you to the most embarassing WV article ever written...
Posted by: ? on Sep 7, 2008 at 04:51 PM
Soon in West Virginia dentures will be so high you can't afford them because everyone is losing their teeth! Where is it you can get good dental work done if you are on low income with no insurance? You read how they are trying to help people in WV with dental care. Is this JUST to CHECK YOUR TEETH,to tell you what is wrong? Then if you got a problem do they reduce their prices to help you?
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 7, 2008 at 04:29 PM
I dont find this hard to belive at all. Our area is like this in EVERY BAD field they can rate an area. First off try brushing your teeth more tri state and WV this wont solve the problem but it will help some. 2nd no one will stand up and get together to get things done. 75-80% of the people here are slugs and expect the gov to do everything for them. It all come right down to what the people really want. And no one around here really wants any better. you vote people in office who you want to get you out of speeding tickets and not vote for you on matters of heath care and education. Get up and get some stuff done because no one is going to do it for you. dang..
Posted by: WV Mom on Sep 7, 2008 at 02:43 PM
Could it possibly be because most people in WV do not have dental insurance? Those who are fortunate enough to have health insurance normally don't have dental coverage. State medicaid doesn't pay for fixing teeth, only pulling. No preventative dentistry for adults.
Posted by: Pablo on Sep 7, 2008 at 02:12 PM
Sad, but true. We can sit around and complain about our ranking or we can use it to try to tackle the problem. Why can't we be ranked next year as the state with the most improved dental health? That would be a start and its much better than just sitting around, doing nothing and waiting for the next dental report.
Posted by: anon on Sep 7, 2008 at 01:02 PM
If wonderful wv had better health coverage, and not tax us to death on everything, we would probably have better teeth!
Posted by: Laura on Sep 7, 2008 at 11:38 AM
It's probably because so many people dont have dental insurance. I dont! And it is expensive to go. I spent about 300 some dollars on a cleaning,xray and fillings. Alot of people just cant afford it. I was late for my check up. I had to wait on my stimulus so I would have the money to go!
Posted by: BLACKSHEEP on Sep 7, 2008 at 11:24 AM
JUST THINK......SOMEONE HAS TO BE NUMBER #1 I HAVE TO AGREE WITH ..HAHA..A TOOTHBRUSH ONLY COST .50 CENTS....FREE FORM THE HEALTH DEPT. I DONT MATTER IM YOU HAVE WELL WATER OR NOT...IT IS HOW YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR TEETH. I WONT DRINK "CITY WATER", SO WHAT DO I DO?.....GO TO THE DENTIST.....NOW I DONT HAVE TOOTH DECAY, SO YOU PEOPLE CANT SAY "PEOPLE OR ON WELL WATER AND DONT HAVE FLOURIDE ADED TO THE WATER. YOU CAN BUY FLOUTIDE RISE AT ANY "WAL-MART"....AND YOU CANT TELL ME THAT THERE ISNT ONE NEAR YOU!!! IT IS AS PLAIN AS THE NOSE ON YOUR FACE PEOPLE, YOU PEOPLE ARE ...."LAAAAZZZIIIIEEE" NOTHING ELSE, AND YOU CANT TELL ME THAT THESE PEOPLE ARE ON WELFARE AND CANT AFFORD IT.....ITS FREE MEDICAL. YOU ARE NUMBER 1 IN MY BOOK PEOPLE. BEFORE YOU GO OFF....IM FROM WEST VIRGINIA TOO PEOPLE.
Posted by: Concern on Sep 7, 2008 at 10:38 AM
I think maybe if these Denist would come down on there prices maybe people would go to the denist. Most people in Wv dont have insurnce. Some of this periodontal disease is hereditary. In my case that what the denist told me. I have to go 3 times a year to keep it from getting worse. For the people that talks about it only takes pennies well I had toothbrushes.. I even lived in Nc and they never told me that I had this. So some people cant help it and Im only 29 and I still have all my teeth so if you got it just keep brushes,floss and GO 2 The Denist
Posted by: a mom on Sep 7, 2008 at 10:27 AM
good grief!!!!!!!! this is every where just not WV. i live in ky and see it everyday,,, this is not news this is junk.. some people are born with bad teeth or bad gums, it has nothing to do with who brushes and who don't...
Posted by: Bob on Sep 7, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Heard the Toothfairy is broke now and had to file for bankruptcy. Thanks Wv
Posted by: carl on Sep 7, 2008 at 09:41 AM
hey i resemble this report, and so does most of my family.being fat with bad teeth is something i am proud of.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 7, 2008 at 08:48 AM
I remember reading Texas has the best teeth! WV needs to do what they are doing! West Virginia has the worst dental and health care health care period! I've heard people all across this state complain about their teeth and health,they can't afford it.You do good to eat in this state if you work for low pay and have a family and can't get food stamps.More adults are living at home with their parents in their 30's,in crowed housing,or on welfare in some way.If they find a job in this state,their parents are still helping them.You see women and men that have joined the service come back home to live with their parents.You hear parents that live in this state complaining,of how they are paying for their older adults sons or daughters to go to college and how it's breaking them up and taking all their savings. The old people give their money and homes trying to help and more of them are going in nursing and care homes! Young or old,who if your teeth falls out,as long as it's not them!
Posted by: kyman on Sep 7, 2008 at 08:41 AM
definitely METH related! ha ha ha ha !
Posted by: Kathy on Sep 7, 2008 at 08:31 AM
I have alot of concern for this topic.I am in the teaching field.I have stained teeth because of meds I took when I was young.I've tried the zoom whiting , it didnt work for me.So,does anyone else have any information I can try? PEIA doesnt pay for veneers.So I look as is I have never taken care of my teeth,and I have.Please help if you can.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 7, 2008 at 08:04 AM
it is also really hard to find a dentist here in WV that wont scam you into having root canals and unnecessary fillings/cleanings. people are taken advantage of and no-one is really standing up for them. is there not a governing body for dentistry that can investigate certain cases that show large amounts of dental work?
Posted by: sam on Sep 7, 2008 at 07:53 AM
it could be because of the crack and meth heads in the area.
Posted by: cob on Sep 7, 2008 at 05:06 AM
Yeah well,who cares? I'll just have to save my money and buy some new ones.Go ahead and stereo-type me, just remember deliverance. Squeal!
Posted by: WV Hillbilly on Sep 7, 2008 at 05:04 AM
Congrats to all my fellow toothless brothers and sisters. However i'm still disappointed in some of you. We, as WSAZ reported previously in the year, only got 2nd in the nation for the fattest most obese citizens! Come on now folks, start eating more, and work less! Gorge your body and give those chubby kids some seconds. Remember, if you aint first your last!
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 7, 2008 at 04:38 AM
I had never been to a dentist until 2 years ago, and they said my teeth were perfect.
Posted by: Debbie on Sep 7, 2008 at 01:46 AM
Response to "HAHA" with the condescending, judgemental attitude & Sick sense of humor towards the great people of West Virginia. Obviously you are not a native of our Wonderful State. Your ignorance shines from assuming this problem is caused by laziness, our not being able to afford toothbrushes and our cigarettes too, if we desire. Your attitude is like a POISON - take it back to where you got it. I'm sure noone is holding you hostage here. If all you have is hurtful remarks to insult us - YOU ARE FREE TO LEAVE NOW!!! Take your delusion of superiority you think you have over us with you when you go too. WE ARE TIRED OF YOUR TYPE INSULTING OUR INTELLIGENCE! The best service you could do for yourself and others is be a volunteer for Special Olympics, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Habitat for Humanity or any other charity. The smiles and gratitude you see on the faces of those you took time to help is a life changing experience for all.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 7, 2008 at 01:18 AM
well for 1 wv medicaid will not pay for adults to see a dentiest for reg cleaning or to have filling for two you cant ind a docter to pull one either hardly u have to pay for it out of ur pocket, and for 2 most people are having thier teeth pulld just so they can get pain pills.
Posted by: Edwin on Sep 7, 2008 at 12:08 AM
v.v says the toothless person.
Posted by: Marcus on Sep 6, 2008 at 11:55 PM
C H E E S E.....
Posted by: hate your state on Sep 6, 2008 at 11:41 PM
why does this not surprise me. this state wants to keep everyone so in dept with the stupid taxes we cannot afford to have anything. if i wasnt married to a man who won't leave this state i would have been gone yrs ago, this state is a joke! people dont fall for a wv man that wont leave this state it will only turn u into statistics a laughing stock. i hate wv but i love my husband. but one day i will leave and never look back at this hillbilly goverment and hillbilly ways
Posted by: denyal care on Sep 6, 2008 at 11:38 PM
why buy toothpaste and toothbrushes? that would cut into their methamphetamine and chewing tobacco money.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 6, 2008 at 10:39 PM
oh what ever ! !
Posted by: Toothy Ruthie on Sep 6, 2008 at 10:34 PM
I've read about this study and they spent millions carrying it out . . . I could have saved them a fortune by adding my TWO CENTS - it's the cost of dental care is the issue - duh! But I agree with everyone else . . .why report this? It only adds the the stereotype . . .
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 6, 2008 at 09:42 PM
It has nothing to do with people brushing their teeth. More than half of the residents of this state have well water, which has no flouride added. City water has flouride added.
Posted by: HAHA on Sep 6, 2008 at 09:39 PM
What state was the tooth brush invented? WV---Any other state and it would have been the teeth brush. HAHAHAHAHA! Oh yea, how much income does it take to buy a tooth brush and some tooth paste? Would it be less than that pack of cigarettes they are smoking? It just takes pennies people. Being lazy is the only thing left then!
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 6, 2008 at 08:20 PM
this will help undo the stereotyping of the WV people
Posted by: curious on Sep 6, 2008 at 07:59 PM
my question is this.. where did they get their subjects? Rural areas, suburbs, city? Different areas, different incomes to afford dental care.
Posted by: What?? on Sep 6, 2008 at 07:07 PM
How embarassing. Why report this?? Make us all look bad. Good grief!!!!!
Posted by: cashmere on Sep 6, 2008 at 06:40 PM
can it be that many WV residents are on government medical assistance, and it's cheaper to pull a tooth than try to save it with expensive crowns?
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 6, 2008 at 06:34 PM
hahahaahahaa
Posted by: April on Sep 6, 2008 at 06:23 PM
I agree. I've seen PLENTY of people from Maryland, Ohio and Virginia who have nasty teeth. Why does everyone want to bust on West Virginia????
Posted by: Bev on Sep 6, 2008 at 06:01 PM
Oh, give it a break. How many other states were tested. I'm so tired of the stereo-typing. Now this is a stupid unfounded story.
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