Many LA kids have dental disease
A new study has suggested that many kids from Los Angeles have dental diseases and infections which go untreated.
Researchers from University of Southern California’s (USC) Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry have claimed that 73% of kids from disadvantaged families suffer from untreated caries, the bacterial disease which causes tooth decay.
After screening more than 2,300 kids from the region, Roseann Mulligan, chair of public health at the USC’s School of Dentistry, said
that there was a silent epidemic of caries in the region.
She also warned that the untreated disease could cause serious pain and illness and could also spread to other parts of the body.
Sharing utensil and plates, kissing and other forms of contact can spread caries.
The study revealed that children from low-income backgrounds were more likely to suffer as many aren’t protected with dental insurance and often don’t receive regular oral health check-ups.
It proposed that better dental education in schools and within communities, and encouraging new dentists to work in underserved communities after qualifying would significantly help to improve the health of the children who are at the greatest risk.
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