RT  - Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry
ID  - 10.17796/jcpd.32.3.d5180888m8gmm282
T1  - Dental Health of Children: Where We Are Today and Remaining Challenges
A1  - Michael W. Roberts
K1  - Children
K1  - dental health
K1  - caries
K1  - trauma
K1  - access to care
K1  - dental health disparities
YR  - 2008
SP  - 231
AB  - <p>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.</p>