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2005 Smile Survey Summary
Protective Measures - Fluoridation and Dental Sealants
Water fluoridation and dental sealants are proven strategies to prevent the development of caries. Water fluoridation is a likely contributing factor for why over 10% more children in
King
County
and
Seattle
have no decay experience compared to the rest of the state. (See Table Five.) Water fluoridation began in
Seattle
in the 1970's; about 75% of the population in
King
County
currently enjoys the benefits of water fluoridation. Statewide, about 50% of the population has access to fluoridated water systems.
Table Five: Children Without Caries
|
Oral Health Measure
|
WA State
(n=5531)
|
King County
(n= 1758)
|
Seattle
(n=1022)
|
| % caries free (no treated or untreated) |
40.1%
|
52.9%
|
54.1%
|
Graph Five: Relationship of Student Dental Sealant Programs to Sealant Use
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Dental sealants are another evidence-based strategy to prevent dental decay. Dental sealants are protective coatings applied to the grooves and pits of permanent molars; these tooth areas have been shown to be the most vulnerable to decay. There is no statistically significant difference among the state (46.0%),
King
County
(40.9%), and
Seattle
(43.1%) sample groups; all fall below the Healthy People 2010 goal of 50% of students with dental sealants. (See Table One.)
School-based dental sealants programs began in the
Seattle
School District
in 1986. Currently, 32
Seattle
elementary schools and 26
King
County
elementary schools have school-based dental sealants programs provided by Public Health –
Seattle & King
County
. 3rd Grade students from schools with dental sealant programs are significantly more likely to have dental sealants by third grade. (See Graph Five.)
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