The effect of age, sex, race, and economic status on dental caries experience of the permanent dentition. Committee to Review the Ten-State Nutrition Survey of 1968-1970.

The Ten-State Nutrition Survey data show a consistent, dramatic, and meaningful difference in dental caries experience between black and white children at all ages. This difference transcends socioeconomic grouping, nutritional level, and developmental status. This study also has shown an apparently protective effect of poverty insofar as dental caries is concerned. Children from lower-income families experienced less dental caries than children from higher-income families.