Tooth decay is a common problem in all age groups.
- Tooth decay is the most common long-lasting childhood disease. It is 5 times more common than asthma, and nearly 20% of children between 2 and 4 years of age have cavities.1, 2
- By age 17, almost 80 percent of young people have had a cavity.2
- More than two-thirds of adults age 35 to 44 years have lost at least one permanent tooth to cavities.2
- About 50% of adults age 75 and older who have one or more of their own teeth have had decay in their roots.3
References
Citations
Douglass JM, et al. (2004). A practical guide to infant oral health. American Family Physician, 70(11): 2113–2120.
National Institute of Health (2001). Diagnosis and management of dental caries throughout life. NIH Consensus Statement, 18(1): 1–30.
Truman BI, et al. (2002). Reviews of evidence on interventions to prevent dental caries, oral and pharyngeal cancers, and sport-related craniofacial injuries. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 23(1, Suppl): S21–S54.
Credits
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Arden Christen, DDS, MSD, MA, FACD - Dentistry |
| Last Updated | July 30, 2007 |
Author:Jeannette Curtis
Last Updated: 07/30/2007
