CDC Pronouncements Mislead Americans on Oral Health Improvement and Fluoride Benefits

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) distributed misleading information to Americans via their 8/25/05 press release, which claims increased tooth retention among older adults, and less children’s cavities (A). Actually, more recent CDC statistics show adult tooth loss and preschoolers tooth decay rates worsening despite widespread fluoride use.

The CDC report, highlighted in the 8/25 press release, “New Report Finds Improvements in Oral Health of Americans,” is based on two old studies culled during years 1988-1994 and 1999-2002, which claims no cavity change in children's baby teeth (two – eleven-year-olds) and less tooth loss in the elderly.