Selected oral health indicators in the United States, 2005-2008

Abstract

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005-2008 More than one in five people had untreated dental caries and 75% had existing dental restorations. Prevalence of untreated dental caries varied significantly by poverty level for all age groups; however, there was little difference in dental restoration prevalence by poverty level for children and adolescents aged 5-19 years. Twenty-seven percent of children and adolescents aged 5-19 years had at least one dental sealant. Nearly 38% of non-Hispanic black adults had not lost a permanent tooth compared with 51% for non-Hispanic white and 52% for Mexican-American persons. Almost 23% of adults aged 65 and over were edentulous.