Aren't they fluoridated?
Almost two-thirds of California children have dental disease, making it a more pervasive problem than obesity or asthma, according to several recent studies.
In Alameda County, for instance, half of all children have untreated tooth decay by the time they reach kindergarten. By the third grade, 69 percent have untreated tooth decay. And nearly 1 in 10 have tooth abscesses, according to the county's Public Health Department.
Many California children have poor dental health, according to a survey of 21,000 kindergarteners and third-graders throughout the state conducted by the Dental Health Foundation. Of 25 states surveyed, only Arkansas ranked below California in children's oral health.
Studies have shown that tooth decay is related to behavioral problems and poor school performance.
Several area pilot projects are trying to fight the problem. One educates dentists on treating children from birth to 5. Another funds tooth sealants for elementary school children. Sealants cost about $100 to $200 per child and can greatly reduce the incidence of tooth decay.
"This is a quiet, unspoken health reality that doesn't get the attention it deserves," said Alameda County Health Officer Dr. Tony Iton.
I've sent an email to the reporter to ask if they are fluoridated.
In Alameda County, for instance, half of all children have untreated tooth decay by the time they reach kindergarten. By the third grade, 69 percent have untreated tooth decay. And nearly 1 in 10 have tooth abscesses, according to the county's Public Health Department.
Many California children have poor dental health, according to a survey of 21,000 kindergarteners and third-graders throughout the state conducted by the Dental Health Foundation. Of 25 states surveyed, only Arkansas ranked below California in children's oral health.
Studies have shown that tooth decay is related to behavioral problems and poor school performance.
Several area pilot projects are trying to fight the problem. One educates dentists on treating children from birth to 5. Another funds tooth sealants for elementary school children. Sealants cost about $100 to $200 per child and can greatly reduce the incidence of tooth decay.
"This is a quiet, unspoken health reality that doesn't get the attention it deserves," said Alameda County Health Officer Dr. Tony Iton.
I've sent an email to the reporter to ask if they are fluoridated.
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home