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WASHINGTON, May 1 /Standard Newswire/ -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention yesterday reported that tooth decay in baby teeth has increased 15 percent among U.S. toddlers and preschoolers ages 2 to 5 years old. During the period 1999-2004, 28 percent of young children had experienced cavities.
CDC's new national study, "Trends in Oral Health Status - United States, 1988-1994 and 1999-2004," also found that 74 percent of young children who have experienced tooth decay were in need of dental repair.
"Findings that one-quarter of young children have cavities once again verifies that tooth decay remains the single most common chronic disease of childhood in the
The report, issued one month after a
Following the
"This new study provides additional scientific support to highlight and address children's oral health and to ensure that children get the basic dental care that they need," stated Nancy Gralla, Executive Director of the Children's Dental Health Project, a Washington DC policy center dedicated to improving children's access to oral health.
Pediatric dentistry experts note that the upturn in cavities among young children portends a new wave of increased tooth decay because early tooth decay is a predictor of future tooth decay. The
The
The Children's Dental Health Project of
CDHP's Web site, www.cdhp.org, contains a wealth of background information on children and dental care. In addition, the organization has ongoing partnerships with other national agencies and organizations involved in children's dental access, including the CDC. Dr. Edelstein and CDHP are available to provide additional information on the state of children's dental health in the
Dr. Edelsten is Professor of Dentistry and Health Policy, Columbia University, and Board Chair, Children's Dental Health Project, Inc. He may be contacted at 202-905-4498.