Dental Caries Prevalence and Public Health

Global burden:
- 60-90% of school children and nearly 100% of adults have cavities (WHO, 2019)
- 2.3 billion people suffer from tooth decay worldwide (GBD, 2017)
Trends:
- Decrease in caries prevalence in industrialized countries, but remains a significant problem (Marthaler, 2004)
- Increase in caries prevalence in developing countries due to changing diets and lifestyles (Petersen, 2008)

Importance:
- Caries is a significant public health problem, affecting quality of life and overall health (Petersen, 2008)
- Linked to other health issues, such as malnutrition, diabetes, and heart disease (Moynihan, 2015)
Strategies:
- Community-based programs, such as water fluoridation and oral health education (CDC, 2020)
- School-based programs, such as sealant programs and oral health screenings (AAPD, 2018)

Fluoride:
- Most effective method for preventing caries, especially in children (Marinho, 2013)
- Used in toothpaste, mouthwash, and community water fluoridation (CDC, 2020)
Sealants:
- Effective in preventing caries, especially in children and adolescents (Ahovuo-Saloranta, 2013)
- Applied to occlusal surfaces of teeth, especially molars (AAPD, 2018)
Diet and nutrition:
- Frequent consumption of sugary snacks and drinks increases caries risk (Moynihan, 2015)
- Balanced diet with adequate nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, supports oral health (AAPD, 2018)

Socioeconomic factors:
- Lower socioeconomic status associated with higher caries prevalence (Petersen, 2008)
- Limited access to dental care and oral health education (CDC, 2020)
Behavioral factors:
- Frequent sugar consumption and poor oral hygiene practices (Moynihan, 2015)
- Lack of dental visits and preventive care (AAPD, 2018)
Biological factors:
- Genetic predisposition and enamel defects (Marthaler, 2004)
- Inadequate saliva flow and poor oral health (Petersen, 2008)

Racial and ethnic disparities:
- Higher caries prevalence in African American, Hispanic, and Native American populations (CDC, 2020)
- Limited access to dental care and oral health education (Petersen, 2008)
Age disparities:
- Higher caries prevalence in children and adolescents, particularly in low-income communities (AAPD, 2018)
- Increased risk of caries in older adults, especially those with limited access to dental care (CDC, 2020)
Geographic disparities:
- Rural areas and underserved communities with limited access to dental care and oral health education (Petersen, 2008)

60-90% of school children and nearly 100% of adults have cavities
2.3 billion people suffer from tooth decay worldwide
Decrease in caries prevalence in industrialized countries, but remains a significant problem
Increase in caries prevalence in developing countries due to changing diets and lifestyles

Caries is a significant public health problem, affecting quality of life and overall health
Linked to other health issues, such as malnutrition, diabetes, and heart disease
Community-based programs, such as water fluoridation and oral health education, are effective strategies
School-based programs, such as sealant programs and oral health screenings, are also effective

Fluoride is the most effective method for preventing caries, especially in children
Fluoride is used in toothpaste, mouthwash, and community water fluoridation
Sealants are effective in preventing caries, especially in children and adolescents
A balanced diet with adequate nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, supports oral health
Frequent consumption of sugary snacks and drinks increases caries risk

Higher caries prevalence is seen in African American, Hispanic, and Native American populations
Limited access to dental care and oral health education contributes to disparities
Higher caries prevalence is seen in children and adolescents, particularly in low-income communities
Increased risk of caries is seen in older adults, especially those with limited access to dental care
Rural areas and underserved communities with limited access to dental care and oral health education experience disparities

60-90% of school children and nearly 100% of adults have cavities globally
2.3 billion people suffer from tooth decay worldwide
Decrease in caries prevalence in industrialized countries, but remains a significant problem
Increase in caries prevalence in developing countries due to changing diets and lifestyles

Caries is a significant public health problem, affecting quality of life and overall health
Linked to other health issues, such as malnutrition, diabetes, and heart disease
Community-based programs, such as water fluoridation and oral health education, are essential
School-based programs, such as sealant programs and oral health screenings, are crucial

Fluoride is the most effective method for preventing caries, especially in children
Fluoride is used in toothpaste, mouthwash, and community water fluoridation
Sealants are effective in preventing caries, especially in children and adolescents
Balanced diet with adequate nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, supports oral health
Frequent consumption of sugary snacks and drinks increases caries risk

Higher caries prevalence in African American, Hispanic, and Native American populations
Limited access to dental care and oral health education increases caries risk
Higher caries prevalence in children and adolescents, particularly in low-income communities
Increased risk of caries in older adults, especially those with limited access to dental care