According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood in the United States.
Untreated cavities can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning. Children who have poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades than children who don’t.
From the National Center for Health Statistics Data Brief:
- About 1 of 5 (20%) children aged 5 to 11 years have at least one untreated decayed tooth.
- 1 of 7 (13%) adolescents aged 12 to 19 years have at least one untreated decayed tooth.
- Children aged 5 to 19 years from low-income families are twice as likely (25%) to have cavities, compared with children from higher-income households (11%).
Assistance League® of the Bay Area is fortunate to have an individual, Dr. Cindy Castille, to provide donated dental care to at-risk children, who are referred by Communities In Schools – Bay Area.
Dr. Castille, also a long-time member and past president of the chapter, has treated numerous students over the years. Additionally, when a patient requires additional services, she has sought out colleagues in the field of orthodontia.
During National Children’s Dental Health Month, we salute Dr. Castille.
