Facts

• Tooth decay is the number one chronic infectious disease among children in the U.S., affecting 42% of children ages 2 to 11 years old.
• According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly one in four children under the age of five already has cavities.  A disproportionate share of tooth decay, approximately 80%, is suffered by our poorest children.
• Tooth decay is four times more common than asthma among adolescents aged 14 to 17 years (15%).

The impact of untreated tooth decay goes far beyond oral health.  Children with untreated decay and associated toothaches have more school absences, cannot pay attention in school or keep up with their peers academically, and have lower standardized test scores.

That's why the objectives of Give Kids a Smile are so important:

1. To provide oral health education to caregivers and as many underserved children as possible in this country.
2. To provide for, and find dental homes for, as many underserved children as possible, because every child deserves proper oral health care.
3. To raise awareness among the public and policymakers that utilization of dental care is a serious problem for many in this country, and no amount of charity care can solve the problem.  Education and access are key.