Poor nutrition and lack of fluoride in the water contribute to dental disease and complications. An abscessed tooth or cavity left untreated can actually be a breeding ground for bacteria that can go to valves in the heart and cause irreversible damage. Still, dental care is often low on the priority list in extreme poverty and we want to be able to meet those needs and see health restored!

Orthodontic care is definitely a very rare luxury in extreme poverty but it's very sad when a young girl won't smile because she is ashamed of her teeth. On average an entire braces treatment plan coats around $700 and we would love to be able to invest that in a young ladies self esteem. The mere fact that we say she is worth the investment speaks huge volumes to her heart and accomplishes even more than a healthy beautiful smile ever could!