Did You Know, Colorado? February 19, 2014

• Cavities are the most common chronic disease of childhood, often requiring urgent treatment, higher dental bills, and valuable time away from school. Colorado has made progress — nearly half as many Colorado kindergarteners and third-graders had untreated cavities in 2011-2012 compared with 2003-2004.
• However, 19% of children in kindergarten and 18% of children in third grade in our poorest schools have untreated cavities — double the proportion as among students in high-income schools (7% and 9%, respectively).
• CDPHE’s Oral Health Unit has been actively working with public and private partners, dentists, and hygienists across Colorado to improve oral health through increased community water fluoridation, age one dental visits, and access to dental sealants.

 For more information about chronic disease data in Colorado, contact Renee Calanan.