Overview: Untreated tooth decay and oral conditions can be a health issue resulting in severe pain complications, gum inflammation and potential tooth loss. Thus, the number of residents who visit ED for oral health issues is above the targeted value which displays a negative indicator of the presented health issue in Cabarrus County. To add, from years 2021 - 2023 a massive increase in the number of residents with who visit ED for oral health related issues was shown due to several factors which indicates an immediate crisis to be tackled. 

Contributing Factors:

• Bad Oral Cleaning Habits: The lack of proper oral hygiene awareness and cleaning measurements (brushing, flossing) creates bad germs causing tooth decays. 
• Sugary Diets: Eating sweet or starchy foods feeds the germs in your mouth. More sugary food for germs means more acid attacks on the teeth.
• No Dental Visits: Skipping regular dentist checkups and oral health appointments lets tooth cavity grow big before a dentist can fix them.

Restricting Factors:

• Individual Factors: lack of awareness, resources and knowledge regarding oral health proper hygiene can restrict individuals from practicing and even receiving the proper dental services they need. 
• Transportation Barriers: lack of proper transport for patients to access oral healthcare can prevent patients from approaching dental services even when they are the most in need of it. 
• Lack of Health Insurance: Health insurance barriers can prevent patients from affording dental services which increases the complications of untreated oral health issues.