TUESDAY, May 1 (HealthDay News) -- Although the oral health of Americans in general is improving, preschoolers are developing more tooth decay than in the past, and racial and social disparities still exist, according to a report published April 30 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
From 1988 to 1994, 24 percent of children aged 2 to 5 years experienced tooth decay in their primary teeth, but the proportion increased to 28 percent by 1999-2004. There were also significant racial disparities. For example, 31 percent of Mexican-American children aged 6 to 11 had decay in their permanent teeth compared with only 19 percent of non-Hispanic white children.
Children aged 6 to 11 from low-income families were three times more likely to have untreated tooth decay compared to their counterparts above the poverty line. However, there was also good news in the report, including an overall decline in tooth decay in permanent teeth for children, adolescents and adults, reduced levels of periodontitis and fewer older adults with complete tooth loss.
"This report challenges us to increase our efforts to reach those most in need with effective preventive measures, and to provide guidance and health education to others, for instance, smokers whose oral health can greatly benefit from quitting," said William R. Maas, D.D.S., M.P.H., director, of CDC's Division of Oral Health, in a statement.
More Information
