The Burden of Oral Disease: Children, February 9, 2017

(2017) The Burden of Oral Disease: Children, February 9, 2017. Public Health, Department of (Health and Human Services, Department of)

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Abstract

Dental caries (tooth decay) is the most common chronic disease in American children,1 and more children lack dental care than any other needed health care service.2 According to the 2000 Surgeon General’s Report on Oral Health, children miss approximately 51 million hours of school annually because of oral health issues in the United States.1 Lack of optimal oral health can permeate every aspect of a child’s life. The pain associated with untreated dental caries can impede a child’s ability to eat, talk, sleep, learn, and enjoy playtime activities. Oral health is crucial for the mental, physical, and social well-being of children.