Key Facts

• About half of children aged 6 to 9 have had a cavity in a baby or adult tooth, according to the CDC.
• Children from low-income families are more than twice as likely to have untreated tooth decay than those from wealthier families.
• Texas has the highest rate of recurring tooth decay in children at 18.6%.
• New Hampshire and Massachusetts have the lowest rates at about 8%.
• Other states with high cavity rates include Missouri, Utah, Indiana, and South Dakota.
• Untreated cavities can cause pain, eating and sleeping problems, missed school, and sometimes emergency care.
• Factors that influence tooth decay include diet, sugar intake, fluoride in water, access to dentists, and daily brushing habits.
• Parents can help reduce cavities by encouraging brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, limiting sugary snacks and drinks, and visiting the dentist regularly.