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Home > Health Information > Children's Health > Dental  Printer Friendly Page Printable Version

Prevention of Oral Problems

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the majority of Americans (65 percent) visit the dentist each year, with more than 50 billion dollars currently being spent on dental services annually.

Despite this, many children and adults needlessly suffer from oral diseases that could be prevented. In fact, 28,900 Americans will be diagnosed with oral and pharyngeal cancers this year, resulting in nearly 7,400 deaths - many of which could have been prevented.

In addition, close to 20 percent of preschoolers (children ages four and five) have tooth decay - with 50 percent developing tooth decay by the third grade, and nearly 75 percent by age of 15.

With proper preventive care, such as regular check-ups, brushing, flossing, fluoridation, and dental sealants, the risk of dental disease can greatly be reduced.

Listed in the directory below you will find additional information regarding preventing oral problems, for which we have provided a brief overview. If you cannot find the information in which you are interested, please visit the Dental and Oral Health Online Resources page in this Web site for an Internet/World Wide Web address that may contain additional information on that topic.

Dental Health Overview

Brushing and Toothpaste

Flossing

Fluoride

Mouthguards

Thumb Sucking

Find A Doctor
Pediatrics - General

Departments and Services
Children's Services

Pharmacies

Topic Content
Site Index

Anatomy and Physiology of the Mouth and Teeth

Oral Health and Dental Specialists

Prevention of Oral Problems

Cleft Lip/Cleft Palate

Infant Problems of the Teeth and Mouth

Toddler Problems of the Teeth and Mouth

Preschool and School-Aged Problems of the Teeth and Mouth

Adolescent Problems of the Teeth and Mouth

Dental Procedures

Dental Emergencies

Glossary

Online Resources

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