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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.
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