Factors Impacting Dental Health Disparities In Children In U.S.A.

Abstract

One of the most chronic preventable childhood diseases is Dental caries; a major serious public health concern from infancy to age 18 in the USA. The two most common socio-economic factors cited for lack of dental caries treatment are lifetime poverty and low health literacy. Other factors include food insecurity, lack of nutritious foods, increased consumption of processed sugars, obesity, chronic health conditions, low-income status, lack of health and dental insurance, lack of affordable housing, lack of access to care, racial discrimination, decreased exposure to fluorides, and language barriers. Caries prevention and treatment programs in schools could help reduce the gap of untreated children. Private dental practices could attempt to improve this situation with free screening and referral programs.