More Work Needed Toward Cavity Prevention In Children

Counter to what the CDC numbers say for young children's untreated cavities, the data was not so encouraging for older children, said The New York Times. The prevalence of cavities seemed to hold strong for children past preschool.



There were cavities in the baby teeth of more than half of 6- to 8-year-olds, while 50 percent of 12- to 15-year-olds had permanent teeth with cavities.



A staggering 67 percent of 16- to 19-year-olds' teeth showed decay.



And as dentists are filling more cavities in the very young, doctors emphasize the importance of behavioral changes as a tool against tooth decay.



More Work Needed Toward Cavity Prevention In Children