Saturday, November 13, 2004

Oral health risk differences in children with public and private insurance:

" 3 to 5 year-old children with Medicaid were 70% less likely to use toothpaste than their NM counterparts (p=0.01). Snacking patterns for children with Medicaid showed increased caries risk. Children with Medicaid had sweet drinks more often (2.1 servings per day, 1.5 for NM children, p<0.001), & consumed fewer servings of fruit and vegetables. Medicaid families reported lack of dental insurance & having a family dentist more often than NM families. Pervasive disparities in family dental history, nutrition and access to dental care result in more negative OH outcomes in children with Medicaid"