Fluoridation, sealants and still disparities.

Tooth decay persists for many Seattle and King County children, according to “2005 Smile Survey”
Sealants, fluoridation help, but disparities seen among the poor and vulnerable
Monday, April 24, 2006

KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Children in King County and Seattle are less likely to have tooth decay than in other parts of the state, but troubling rates of preventable dental disease continue, particularly among poor and vulnerable populations, according to the most recent statewide “Smile Survey” of children’s oral health.

Major local findings of the study include:

Nearly 60% of Washington state elementary school children outside of King County were found to have cavities and/or fillings, while King County and Seattle rates were lower, at 47.1% and 49.5%, respectively. The 2005 rate of dental decay or fillings in King County children was about the same as in 2000.
Preschool children in King County have significantly lower rates of dental disease when compared to preschool children in other areas of the state: 45.1% of three to five year olds in Washington state had cavities or fillings, compared to 26.6% in King County.
Over 75% of the population currently has access to fluoridated water systems in King County, which likely contributes to children having healthier teeth with less decay. Statewide, water system fluoridation is available to about 50% of the population.
“Chronic dental disease can impact a child’s health and well-being, self-esteem and school performance,” said Dorothy Teeter, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “This is a preventable problem, but more children and their families need access to the tools that can improve their health.”