Oral Health In Maine
Dental disease, an infectious disease that affects children and adults, may be both the most prevalent yet preventable disease known.
In 1999, data indicated that 2.7% of Maine people ages 25-34 and 9.8% of those ages 35-44 had lost 6 or more teeth because of tooth decay or gum disease. Half of the younger group and two thirds of the older group had lost at least one tooth due to preventable causes. Data from a statewide survey of kindergarten and third-grade students conducted during 1999 indicates that about two-thirds of the younger children and just over half of the older group had no dental decay. Nearly half of the third graders had at least one permanent molar with a dental sealant. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
In the spring of 2003, about 78% of Maine people on public water supplies receive fluoridated water. About 48% of Maine people use public water supplies. This means that overall about 40% of Maine's total population has fluoridated drinking water in their homes.
With only a few health departments to provide an infrastructure for public health services, and a small number of private and public non-profit dental clinics scattered through the state, few opportunities exist for low-income Maine residents to obtain affordable dental services.
