Answer :
Dental caries are prevalent among children in the U.S. due to poor diet, inadequate dental hygiene, and limited access to dental care.
Dental caries, or cavities, are a widespread issue particularly among children in the United States, where 23 percent of children have cavities by the age of four, and one-half of all children have at least one cavity by second grade (Healthy People 2010).
There are several knowledge deficits in the target population regarding dental caries and behavior. Poor diet, especially the consumption of sugary foods and drinks, alongside inadequate dental hygiene and irregular access to dental care, contribute significantly to the formation of cavities.
Additionally, oral biofilms formed by carbohydrate-fermenting microbes produce acidic byproducts that lower the oral pH and damage tooth enamel, leading to cavities (Selwitz et al., 2007). Addressing these knowledge gaps through public health education on proper dental care habits and dietary choices can help mitigate this pressing health issue.
