Despite well-noted reductions in decay prevalence, tooth decay still affects more than half of all children by second grade and may be on the increase. Therefore, Medicaid children s dental programs primarily fund treatments associated with decay prevention and management. Tooth decay is disproportionately distributed among our nation s children. The National Institutes of Health report that 80 percent of all cavities occur in only 25 percent of children. While it can affect any child, the bulk of tooth decay is found in children of low income and minority status.
Tooth decay is more severe among low income and minority children.
Gross racial and income disparities exist in the amount of dental treatment children receive. The proportion of decayed teeth which have not been repaired is greater for lower income than higher income children in preschoolers, school age children and adolescents. Minority children have greater untreated decay than white children at all ages. Tooth loss in children is most commonly due to advanced untreated decay or trauma and is more common in minority children. Parents report reater unmet treatment needs for dental treatment than any other health service.