Caries prevalence in Head Start children, 1986-87.

Since the early 1970s, caries prevalence among school-aged children in the United States has declined. It appears that a small percentage of the children experience most of the caries increment. In addition, a large proportion of children in the US who need dental care receive it. An important factor in the amount of treatment received by children is the socioeconomic status of the family. Data on caries prevalence among preschool populations are limited. The Head Start program serves low-income families in the US and offers a unique opportunity to look at individuals who may be at greater risk of health problems and may experience less access to health services. A survey of 1,796 three- to five-year old Head Start children from low-income families was conducted in 1986-87. Caries prevalence, baby bottle tooth decay prevalence and relative need for dental care are reported for fluoridated and non fluoridated communities in California, Hawaii, and Micronesia. The data reveal scores that are higher in the sample population than in five-year-olds in national surveys and among Head Start children in previous surveys.