Alaska Native Children Experience Much High Rates of Tooth Decay

Joaqlin Estus, KNBA – AnchorageDental disease is a serious health problem among Alaska Natives. A recent evaluation of about 400 Alaska Native people found untreated tooth decay in more than half the children, 60 percent of the teenagers, and 77 percent of adults. Among American Indian and Alaska Native 2-4-year-olds, tooth decay is five times the national average… however, as Joaqlin Estus reports, tribes are developing a program that may help fill the unmet need.Download Audio (MP3)