Delta Dental of Minnesota Highlights Oral and Mental Health Connection at the Second Annual Tu Salud Latino Health Fair in Minnesota

ST. PAUL (September 21, 2024) – Today, Delta Dental of Minnesota brought attention to the important connection between oral and mental health at the Tu Salud Latino Health Fair in St. Paul. For the second straight year, Delta Dental of Minnesota partnered with lead organizer Telemundo Minnesota, government entities, and other wellness organizations to bring this event to our State.

Dr. Eileen Crespo, Vice President of Medical Services for Delta Dental of Minnesota gave a presentation on the important connections between oral and mental health:

“While oftentimes overlooked, poor oral health habits can have a major impact on a person’s mental health and vice versa,” said Dr. Crespo.

Common mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, as well as eating disorders, can impact oral health. These conditions and issues can lead to unhealthy coping behaviors such as smoking/vaping, binge eating, induced vomiting, and/or physical habits like teeth grinding that can affect oral health. Alternatively, chronic pain and other conditions caused by oral health challenges can significantly worsen mental health issues.

The Tu Salud Health Fair—organized and promoted by Telemundo Minnesota—aims to connect Latinos to health care and health information by providing free screenings, facilitating access to health care providers, and distributing health and wellness information via informational booths, speakers, and a discussion panel. Unfortunately, Minnesota’s Latino population can face disparities when it comes to oral and overall health. The Minnesota Department of Health cites that “[u]ntreated or treated tooth decay … among Minnesota third graders enrolled in public schools are … 1.4 times more likely among Hispanic third graders than white, non-Hispanic third-graders.”

As part of the Tu Salud Health Fair, Delta Dental of Minnesota hosted a booth and provided information to attendees on the importance of oral health as it relates to overall health. Optimal oral health starting in childhood and continuing in adulthood has been associated with decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and other negative health outcomes. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, individuals with dental coverage are almost three times more likely to have a yearly dental visit than those without coverage. Additional information on dental coverage is available at www.deltadentalmn.org/sonrie as well as www.deltadentalmn.org.

“Delta Dental of Minnesota is pleased to continue to work with community partners like Telemundo to raise awareness about the importance of oral and mental health and their connection to our overall health in our communities,” said Dr. Crespo.

About Delta Dental of Minnesota

Delta Dental of Minnesota is an independent, nonprofit health services company that serves the oral health needs of Minnesota and North Dakota residents. Since 1969, Delta Dental of Minnesota has accomplished this mission by providing the best access across the state to oral health care through affordable dental plans. Delta Dental of Minnesota is an authorized licensee of the Delta Dental Plans Association of Oak Brook, Illinois.

About Telemundo Minnesota

Telemundo Minnesota, KMWE-TV, a leading Spanish-language television station, owned and operated by SagamoreHill Broadcasting, LLC, is an affiliate of Telemundo/NBC Universal. Providing Latino audiences and communities in Minneapolis- St. Paul and Rochester markets with entertainment and informational content services that include television, digital media and event marketing platforms that entertain, educate, and engage Latino audiences.