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DELAWARE ORAL HEALTH TOOLKIT

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The Need

Tooth decay significantly impacts the health of Delawareans of all ages from all walks of life.

It is the most common chronic childhood disease in the U.S. today. Yet, most dental disease is nearly 100 percent preventable.
With links to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and many other diseases, good overall health can be achieved with good oral health.
If left untreated, cavities and other dental infections can spread to other parts of the body and, in very rare cases, be life threatening.

Healthy dental habits should come as naturally as buckling up our seatbelts, and oral health education is a vital first step.

Oral Health in Delaware Fast Facts:

Dental care accounts for an estimated 9,000 annual emergency room visits.
47 percent of third-graders have experienced tooth decay.
More than 45 percent of adults have had a permanent tooth extracted.
Nearly 17 percent of adults ages 65 and older have had all their teeth extracted.
More than 41 percent of those with disabilities have not seen a dentist in more than one year or have never had a dental visit.

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