Dental Health

More than half of all Americans visit a dentist each year, with an estimated 60 billion dollars currently being spent on dental services.

Despite this, many children and adults needlessly suffer from oral diseases that could be prevented. In fact, 30,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral and pharyngeal cancers this year, resulting in more than 8,000 deaths - many of which could have been prevented.

In addition, close to 20 percent of preschoolers (children ages 4 and 5) have tooth decay, with 50 percent developing tooth decay by the third grade, and 86 percent by age 17.

With proper preventive care, such as regular check-ups, brushing, flossing, fluoridation, and dental sealants, the risk of dental disease can greatly be reduced.

Listed in the directory below you will find additional information regarding preventing oral problems, for which we have provided a brief overview.

If you cannot find the information in which you are interested, please visit the Pediatrics Online Resources page in this Web site for an Internet/World Wide Web address that may contain additional information on that topic.