Promising Trends Show Reductions in Early Childhood Dental Disease
On October 28, the American Dental Association (ADA) announced that preliminary data from the 2011-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) show a downward trend in the proportion of children 2-5 years old with early childhood caries in the U.S. The proportion of decayed teeth that had been restored reflects an increase in treatment among these children. However, significant disparities remain, with low-income children having more than twice as much decay as others.
“This preliminary analysis may indicate a promising trend. We are encouraged that it shows far less untreated tooth decay in children, with dentists providing needed treatment,” says ADA President Dr Maxine Feinberg. “Now, we must stay the course, building on that momentum to continue making an impact for children, and expand efforts to prevent dental disease before it starts.”
