Children

Dental Caries (Tooth Decay) in Children (Ages 2 to 11)

Dental caries (tooth decay) remains the most prevalent chronic disease in children, even though it is largely preventable. Caries has decreased over the past four decades, though disparities remain among some population groups.

Dental Sealants in Children (Ages 6 to 11)

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that protect the chewing surfaces of children’s back teeth from tooth decay. Overall, the prevalence of sealants in children’s teeth has increased since the early 1970s, although significant disparities remain in some population groups.