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Original Research

Open Access

Dental Health of Children: Where We Are Today and Remaining Challenges

  • Michael W. Roberts1,*,

1Department of Pediatric Dentistry School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

DOI: 10.17796/jcpd.32.3.d5180888m8gmm282 Vol.32,Issue 3,May 2008 pp.231-234

Published: 01 May 2008

*Corresponding Author(s): Michael W. Roberts E-mail: mike_roberts@dentistry.unc.edu

Abstract

Dental caries remains the most common disease in man and presents a tremendous health-affecting challenge and fiscal burden to both developed and underdeveloped countries. Changing demographics including increased number of ethnic minorities, cultural practices and diet, the number of children living in poverty or near poverty, and the special needs of medically compromised children have made solutions more complex and evasive. Systemic and topical fluoride contacts remain the most cost-effective public health response to preventing caries among children. The time-honored impact of reducing sugars and carbohydrates in the diet and improving oral hygiene practices also remain essential. New technology has the potential of offering remineralization strategies. The dental profession is challenged to be proactive in identifying alternatives and implementing new and creative ways to embrace underserved children and improve their access to care including trauma prevention. The impact on families and society, including financial and general well-being, due to poor oral health is significant. Lower income families absorb disproportionately the effect of dental diseases due to lack of education, food availability and selection, and access to early preventive care.

Keywords

Children, dental health, caries, trauma, access to care, dental health disparities

Cite and Share

Michael W. Roberts. Dental Health of Children: Where We Are Today and Remaining Challenges. Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry. 2008. 32(3);231-234.

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