Prevention: Preventing Tooth Decay and Managing Dental Caries

Recognizing, tooth decay remains the most common chronic condition of childhood in the US and is affecting an increasing number of children at the youngest ages.

Based on 40 years of established science, CDHP holds as a primary tenant that preventing and managing tooth decay are the best strategies for reducing overall disease burden and improving the oral health of all Americans, starting with our nation’s youngest children.

Prevention includes promoting the oral health of pregnant women, caregivers and children right from the start which is the best defense against ongoing, disruptive and costly care. Primary prevention of oral disease requires health education, disease prevention, and health protection - not just a trip to the dentist. More plainly stated prevention includes, but is not limited to, adequate fluoridation, oral hygiene, and nutritional/dietary choices. Available research supports prevention as effective, less expensive and requiring low technology.  However, the bulk of attention remains on restorative treatment.

Recognizing, tooth decay remains the most common chronic condition of childhood in the US and is affecting an increasing number of children at the youngest ages, CDHP’s work is based in encouraging investments in risk-based care, evidence-based interventions, creative approaches to early care, public education, and support for prevention research, programs, and coverage.