A new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights significant disparities in oral health among children and adults, particularly among vulnerable groups.
More than one in five U.S. adults suffer from untreated tooth decay, with poverty tripling the risk among children, according to the report.
Key Findings
Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a comprehensive survey designed to assess the health and nutritional status of adults and children in the United States spanning from 2017 to March 2020, the CDC found that untreated tooth decay is prevalent, with notable differences based on race, income, and education levels. The following were key findings:- Nearly 21 percent of adults aged 20 to 64 had untreated tooth decay.
- 18 percent of children from high-poverty families had untreated decay compared with 6.6 percent in low-poverty families.
- Non-Hispanic black older adults faced the highest rates at 28.4 percent.
- Current smokers and racial minorities had a significantly higher prevalence of oral health issues.
