Latino children left behind in California’s dental divide Despite Fluoridation state-wide mandate

 

Viewpoint: Latino children left behind in California’s dental divide 

In fluoridation state-mandated California, kids suffer tooth pain, cant eat, sleep, or concentrate at school because Clinics refuse Medi-Cal or available appointments are months away Hardworking parents do their best yet a simple cavity spirals into a serious health issue 

https://claremont-courier.com/latest-news/viewpoint-latino-children-left-behind-in-californias-dental-divide-86350/

Fluoridation State Mandated Kentucky Tooth Loss Common

In Kentucky, fluoridation is state-mandated, but "Tooth loss is common — and accepted as a normal situation — in many communities."

Dental Care is a Hidden Crisis

A former New Yorker described visible differences in the oral health of Kentuckians: “You really didn’t see people with like a whole bunch of missing teeth and then come down here and it’s like, wow. These women weren’t kidding when they were with, like a full set of teeth. It's something to brag about on dating sites” [U4-225]. Others noted the lack of dentists in their area and the difficulty scheduling appointments as evidenced by this quote, “There’s a shortage of dentists in the area… If I commit to a six-month dental cleaning, I’ve got to schedule my life around it” [A3-2200]. Others linked the poor dental outcomes to a lack of public investment: “Tooth loss is such an issue in Kentucky… I feel like some of the political leanings of our state, where we don’t offer the things as we should” [U3-1583]."

"Many participants discussed the problems with dental work that they have had, as well as mentioned having teeth removed as a normalized part of routine care"

"Provider shortages worsen health and disability. One participant described enduring pain and multiple infections as he waited about a year for a dentist to remove his wisdom teeth..." https://cdn.asclepiusinitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Topline-Report-Final_9.16.25.pdf

Fluoridation Fails Texas

Despite a 71% fluoridation rate in Texas, " 53% of kindergarten students have experienced a cavity. Tooth decay for children at this age level is more common in low-income families. One in five kindergarten students in Texas has untreated decay. Oral health disparities exist in Texas, and this age is no exception. For example, Hispanic (58%) and Black (51%) children in Texas kindergarten classes are more likely to have experienced a cavity than White kids (46%)."

 https://txohc.org/communication/data-dashboard/community-water-fluoridation-report/

Fluoridation Fails South Dakota

 Despite a 94% fluoridation rate in South Dakota, "over half of children have experienced tooth decay, with higher rates among low-income, rural and tribal populations." https://newslj.com/oral-caries-prevention-south-dakota-challenges-and-opportunities