Teeth: The story of beauty, inequality, and the struggle for oral health in America by Mary Otto (2017) is an interesting book that encourages readers to view dentistry as a crucial part of health care. This non-fiction piece also suggests to people that they should revisit their opinions about their own teeth and the effort that they put into their maintenance in good condition. While the majority of people strive toward the white, shiny smile, they often neglect the need for preventative measures to battle the dental disease. At the same time, the struggles of the disadvantaged are ignored altogether. Otto's account of dentistry in the United States is a revelation because readers realize that decision-makers and some health care providers have dismissed dental issues unfairly and dangerously for many patients who cannot afford quality dental care.
Although the author is not a scholar, Otto possesses certain credibility that allows her to write about the dental problems that currently plague the United States. Specifically, Otto has been covering health issues for years in The Washington Post. As a journalist, she…show more content… Otto divided the book into three sections to ensure that readers understand the connections among the history of dentistry, current problems, and future directions. The structure of the volume provides for an easy read that is simultaneously thought-provoking because the audience receives comprehensible explanations about the topic. The audience is also compelled to think outside the box, which makes Teeth especially valuable for the discourse about American public health. The book starts with some engaging stories about people's experiences with dental issues. This approach makes the book relatable and captivating. Teeth is a non-fictional book; the audience pays attention to those stories that happened in the lives of real Americans who had to encounter problems associated with dental
