Bad Marks for the USA

A recent (February 2002) Associated Press article indicated that at least a third of Americans fail to see a dentist even once a year. It may surprise you to know that tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease. The unfortunate statistic is that half of all first grade children already have at least one cavity.

Fluoride treatment of drinking water was one of the most important health advances of the 20th century, but there are many parts of this country where the water is not fluoridated. In areas where there is fluoride in drinking water, well-meaning parents are giving their children bottled water and, thereby, keeping the little ones from getting the benefits of fluoridation.

The AP article states that "two years after the surgeon general labeled Americans' bad oral health a 'silent epidemic'," a new government study assessing individual states finds that "the mouth is getting too little medical attention." The Oral Health America, a nonprofit advocacy group, wrote the report with assistance from federal health officials. The report overall gives the United States a "C."

Don't let yourself or your children become part of this statistic. You have the ability to get high marks for oral health by combining at home care, with regular dental office visits. If your family is not getting the benefits of fluoride, for whatever reason, talk to us about sealants and/or fluoride treatment. We can help you to help yourself!