The Problem Untreated tooth decay is on the rise For the first time in decades, children from low-income families and seniors are suffering with significantly higher rates of dental disease—a situation US Surgeon General David Satcher calls a "silent epidemic." Tooth decay is the top chronic childhood disease in America, 5 times more common than asthma and often just as debilitating. And low-income children have 2 to 3 times more cavities than their peers. Among older Americans, almost 1 in 5 has untreated cavities and 1 in 4 has severe periodontal disease. Decayed or missing teeth, gum disease and chronic dental pain are miseries enough, but they can also mean a lifetime of problems. Without treatment, dental disease can lead to life-threatening conditions such as brain infection, heart attack and stroke. Local hospitals already report seeing more people in emergency rooms for serious dental-related problems, confirming a troubling new trend. The cost of dental care is beyond the reach of many Dental fees have risen 25% in recent years, faster than the inflation rate, meaning fewer people can afford dental care. Most low-income families and seniors don't have dental insurance, and dental coverage through Medicaid is primarily available to children. But even with Medicaid coverage, finding a dentist can be hard because only 26% of Washington's dentists accept Medicaid patients. Cost isn't the only barrier to getting dental care. Physical access and convenience are also issues. Sometimes children don't see a dentist because their parents can't leave work or don't own a car. Often seniors can't drive or are homebound. In the end, it all adds up to people not getting the dental care they need.