The Reality

• Although dental caries (tooth decay) is largely preventable, it remains the most common chronic disease of children aged 6 to 11 years (25%) and adolescents aged 12 to 19 years (59%). Tooth decay is four times more common than asthma among adolescents aged 14 to 17 years (59% compared with 15%).
   
• Once established, the disease requires treatment. A cavity only grows larger and more expensive to repair the longer it remains untreated.
   
• Fewer than 1 in 3 children enrolled in Medicaid received at least one preventive dental service in the past year. Many states provide only emergency dental services to Medicaid-eligible adults.
   
• Many adults also have untreated tooth decay—28% of those aged 35 to 44 years and 18% of those aged 65 years and older.

Community-Based Strategies Prevent Tooth Decay

School-Based Sealant Programs

• Children receiving dental sealants in school-based programs have 60% fewer new decayed pit and fissure surfaces in back teeth for 2 to 5 years after a single application. Among children, 90% of decay is in pits and fissures.