'Silent epidemic' of dental disease threatens poor kids' health

Despite water fluoridation, tooth decay is rampant in children who live in Houston, Texas.

Every time Dr. Martee Engel treats a young patient whose teeth have brown or white chalky spots, she's reminded of an acute problem affecting children - particularly poor children.

"The children with the highest need are the poor," said Engel, a pediatric dentist for 20 years. "Their tooth decay occurs more rapidly and is more pervasive."

Texas has done a better job than most states in improving access to dental care during the past decade, according to a study by the Pew Center. But health policy analyst Julia Paradise said more dentists, especially pediatric dentists, must participate in public insurance programs to fill the gaps. The need is greatest in rural areas and inner-city communities, she said.

"Coverage is not the same as access," said Paradise, an analyst with the nonprofit Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. "It gets you to the door, but the door has to open."

[Dentist Essendon]

Lots of controversy about fluoride in water. How about not eating sugary foods and/or lollies and leaving the fluoride out of the water?

[Dentist Essendon]

http://www.dentistessendon.com.au