New CDC Data Find Caries Rates Are Declining as More Kids Access Dental Treatment.
New CDC Data Find Caries Rates Are Declining as More Kids Access Dental Treatment Preliminary data presented at the "Innovations in the Prevention and Treatment of Early Childhood Caries" conference hosted by the University of Maryland School of Dentistry on
New CDC Data Find Caries Rates Are Declining as More Kids Access Dental Treatment
Preliminary data presented at the “Innovations in the Prevention and Treatment of Early Childhood Caries” conference hosted by the University of Maryland School of Dentistry on October 23 show a downward trend in early childhood caries (cavities) in the United States and indicates progress in ensuring that kids are getting needed dental treatment. “This preliminary analysis may indicate a promising trend. We are encouraged that it shows far less untreated tooth decay in children,” says American Dental Association President Maxine Feinberg, DDS. “Dental Medicaid visits have been increasing and more kids are seeing the dentist. 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.” Preliminary unpublished data shared by the US Centers for Disease Control’s Bruce Dye, DDS, MPH, CAPT USPHS, suggests a decade-long trend of increased treatment of caries in preschool children, suggesting a clear shift in untreated dental disease in the US among 2- to 5-year olds toward more restored dental surfaces for all 20 primary teeth. The analysis is based on a review of 2011-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) longitudinal health data from the CDC and a representative sample of the US population. It was presented in advance of expected CDC publication of the full range of data covering 2011 through 2014 next year and should be viewed as a preliminary analysis.