Graduate Research Papers

Availability

Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Abstract

Dental health is an important, but often overlooked, health issue for children living in poverty in the United States. There are several risk factors for childhood caries including socioeconomic status, belonging to a racial or ethnic minority group, and poor dietary habits. While dental caries is a preventable infectious disease process, there are several barriers to adequate care and appropriate utilization of dental services often resulting in increased, severe, untreated decay for children from families with limited resources. This review examines caries in low-income preschool children and nutrition education as a preventive strategy. Federal programs that provide health and nutrition services are crucial in promoting preventive oral health care and dental nutrition to high-risk populations. With proper nutrition as a protective measure in reducing the incidence of childhood caries, health promotion efforts need to include nutrition education. Furthermore, health professionals, especially dietitians, dentists, and dental hygienists need to work together to meet the oral health needs of low-income preschool children.

Year of Submission

2007

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services

First Advisor

Michele Yehieli

Comments

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Date Original

2007

Object Description

1 PDF file (56 pages)

Language

en

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