Orange County Children Have High Rate of Tooth Decay
Tooth decay among kindergarten students in Orange County is 33%, compared with the state average of 27%, according to the Dental Health Foundation. Meanwhile, third graders in Orange County have a tooth decay rate of 75%, according to Sandra Bolton, director of Healthy Smiles for Kids of Orange County. A 2007 state law requires all public school students entering kindergarten and first grade to receive oral health screenings prior to the start of the school year.
- "Tooth Decay in O.C. Children Above State Average" (Giasone, Orange County Register, 1/23).