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Oral Health / Dental Specialists Prevention of Oral Diseases / Dental Problems Specific Oral Health & Dental Problems
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 According
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 500 million dental
visits occur annually in the United States, with an estimated 50 billion dollars currently
being spent on dental services.Yet, many
children and adults needlessly suffer from oral diseases that could be prevented. In fact,
30,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral and pharyngeal cancers this year, resulting
in more than 8,000 deaths -- many of which could have been prevented. In addition, close to 20 percent of preschoolers (children ages 4 and 5) have tooth decay -- with 50 percent developing tooth decay by the third grade, and 86 percent by age 17. Yet, with proper preventive care, such as regular check-ups, brushing, flossing, fluoridation, and dental sealants, the risk of dental disease can greatly be reduced. |
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Copyright 2003, University of Utah Health Sciences Center Medical Content last Reviewed November 2001 |
