Despite tremendous declines in childhood cavities, tooth decay remains the single most common chronic disease of childhood. This is 5 to 8 times more common than asthma, which is usually cited as the most common chronic condition of childhood. Fewer and fewer children have more and more tooth decay. National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research reports that 80 percent of the tooth decay is now found in 25 percent of children. This disproportion has increased with every survey.
Low income is the single best of high caries experience in children.
Low-income children do not get the dental services they need. A substantial proportion of decay in young children goes untreated. Key children's oral health indicators are slipping. When low income communities assess their own health care needs, dental care for children is frequently cited in the top three unmet needs. Early childhood caries is associated with poor growth and poor nutrition in children.