The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry states that tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children, affecting 1 in 5 children aged 5 to 11.
According to the ADA, more than 40% of children have tooth decay by the time they reach Kindergarten.
Alarming fact: By age 8, over half (52%) of children have experienced at least one cavity in their primary teeth.
Poor oral health can lead to pain, infections, and problems with eating, speaking, self- esteem and learning.
Common untreated issues include bottle tooth decay in younger children and multiple cavities or malocclusion in older kids.
Many foster children have only received sporadic dental care before entering the system, leading to untreated conditions.
Around 35% of foster children enter care with significant dental and oral health problems.
Barriers such as financial difficulties, frequent relocations, and lack of transportation prevent foster children from accessing proper dental care.
Research has shown that children with poor oral health are three times more likely to miss school due to dental pain, which can negatively impact academic performance and future success.
According to the CDC, 34 million school hours are lost each year due to dental emergencies.
In terms of long-term health, poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease later in life. The World Health Organization emphasizes that oral diseases are major public health issues, and promoting oral health early on is key to preventing more serious health problems in adulthood.
Around 35% of foster children enter care with significant dental and oral health problems.
Barriers such as financial difficulties, frequent relocations, and lack of transportation prevent foster children from accessing proper dental care.
Research has shown that children with poor oral health are three times more likely to miss school due to dental pain, which can negatively impact academic performance and future success.
According to the CDC, 34 million school hours are lost each year due to dental emergencies.
In terms of long-term health, poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease later in life. The World Health Organization emphasizes that oral diseases are major public health issues, and promoting oral health early on is key to preventing more serious health problems in adulthood.
