"A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found 42 percent of kids aged 6 to 19 had had a cavity or filling in their permanent teeth when examined between 1999 and 2002…" Medline Plus, August 25,2005
 
"Although dental caries (tooth decay) is largely preventable, it remains the most common chronic disease of children aged 5 to 17 years—5 times more common than asthma (59% versus 11%)."  CDC, 2005

"Poor children have nearly 12 times more restricted-activity days because of dental-related illness than children from higher-income families. Pain and suffering due to untreated tooth decay can lead to problems in eating, speaking, and attending to learning."  CDC, 2005

"An estimated 75% of Americans reportedly have some form of periodontal disease." The American Dental Hygienists' Association - 4/02

"Dental caries (tooth decay) is the single most chronic childhood disease - 5 times more common than asthma and 7 times more common than hay fever. "Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General" - 4/02

"Over 108 million children and adults lack dental insurance, which is over 2.5 times the number who lack medical insurance." Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General, 5/01