A new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights significant disparities in oral health among children and adults, particularly among vulnerable groups.
Nearly 21 percent of adults aged 20 to 64 had untreated tooth decay. 18 percent of children from high-poverty families had untreated decay compared to 6.6 percent in low-poverty families.
Non-Hispanic black older adults faced the highest rates at 28.4 percent. Current smokers and racial minorities had a significantly higher prevalence of oral health issues.
Children and Adolescents Additionally, one in 10 children aged 2 to 5 years have one or more primary teeth with untreated decay, with this figure jumping to 18 percent for those aged 6 to 8. Mexican-American children face particularly challenging odds, showing significantly higher rates of untreated decay compared to non-Hispanic white children. Education for at-risk populations Enhanced oral health education initiatives Continued surveillance.