Fewer and fewer children have more and more tooth decay. Low income is the single best predictor 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.
Parents know it is a problem.
Communities know it is a problem. Children suffer significant morbidity from tooth decay missed school days, bed days, low activity days. NIDR reports significant annual bed days from tooth decay in children. Early childhood caries is associated with poor growth and poor nutrition in children .