When they reported that their children’s teeth were in fair or poor condition, parents were asked what specific problems their children had with their teeth. More than half of children whose teeth are in fair or poor condition (54.6 percent) were reported to have cavities. Other commonly reported problems included crooked teeth, or teeth that need braces (33.5 percent); a broken front tooth or teeth that need repair (11.8 percent); teeth problems such as grinding, soft teeth, or teeth falling out (6.1 percent); and pain (4.6 percent).

All information in the survey about problems with teeth was reported by parents. Parents were allowed to name more than one problem with their children’s teeth.

[d]