The Problem
Untreated tooth decay is on the
rise
For the first time in decades, dental disease has increased in America. The problem is most severe in seniors and children from low-income families. Former US
Surgeon General David Satcher has called it a "silent epidemic."
Tooth decay is now ranked as the top chronic childhood disease. Children from
low-income homes have as much as 3 times the number of cavities as their peers.
Among older Americans, 20 percent have
untreated cavities and 25 percent have severe gum disease.
Decayed or missing teeth, gum disease and chronic dental pain are miseries
enough. But they can also mean a lifetime of problems, including missed days at school or work that cause further setbacks..
Without treatment, dental
disease can lead to life-threatening conditions such as brain infection, heart
attack and stroke. Hospitals report seeing more people in
emergency rooms for serious dental-related problems, confirming a troubling new
trend.
Dental care is beyond the
reach of many
Dental fees have risen 25 percent in recent years. And only 1 in 4 dentists in Washington accepts Medicaid patients.
When parents can't leave work or don't own a car, they find it hard to get their children into dental care. Often seniors can't drive or are homebound.
It all adds up to people not getting the dental care they need.
This is why Washington State Smile Partners focuses on improving oral health in children and seniors.
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