Based on a recently available report released by the Centers for disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Americans reduce tooth decay and less tooth damage compared to just a decade ago.
The results were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) which estimated the amount of dental decay (cavities), preventive methods, and tooth damage from a cross sectional national survey. Although the general trends are positive some demographic sectors remain at high risk.
"This survey represents the dental health of 256 million Americans," stated Dr. Bruce Pihlstrom, DDS, acting director of the division of medical research and health promotion at NIH's National Institute of Dental as well as Craniofacial Research. "While the findings are encouraging, the statement clearly shows us that much more energy is needed to boost the oral health of low-income Americans."
Though the portion of kids that have never had cavities in permanent teeth decreased by 15 percent since 1994 -- 32 % of Mexican-American and 27 percent of African American children ages 2 to 11 had untreated decay than eighteen percent for Caucasian kids.
For lower income adults, in excess of one third had untreated dental decay in contrast to 16 % for high income adults.
Generally there was a lot learn more about ProDentim (you can try these out) bad news for smokers with 14 % of existing smokers much older than 20 years having lost each one of their teeth when compared with 4.6 % among nonsmokers.
One reason for the improvements cited is tooth sealants. These groove-sealing resins ensure that the decay causing bacteria from penetrating the predisposed fissures in the tooth. Once more, income levels made a difference. 37.9 % of white children had one sealant while 23.4 Mexican American kids and 22.6 of African American children had at least one sealant.
The survey shows a whole lot of progress has been produced in a somewhat short period of time because of sealants, fluoride treatments, patient education, the higher number of school programs on dental health, and the efforts and dedication of tooth professionals. Additionally apparent, is the need to continue to reach even more of the population with prevention and education.