TOOTH DECAY IS A DISEASE - AND IT'S HURTING PENNSYLVANIA FAMILIES

PA Coalition for Oral Health highlights the hidden costs of tooth decay

DELMONT, Pa., July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cavities aren't just a bother—tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children and adults, and it's taking a painful toll on families across Pennsylvania. Cavities are causing more than just discomfort; they're driving a serious, widespread disease with far-reaching impacts on health, productivity, and finances. Yet, the issue continues to be overlooked.

Picture this: The school nurse calls. Your child is crying from a toothache. You leave work early. The dentist is booked for months. Urgent care can't treat the cavity—just a prescription for antibiotics and pain meds. Weeks pass, and your child is still in pain. Eventually, a cancellation opens up. You miss more work. Your child misses more school. Treatment comes—along with a bill your insurance doesn't fully cover.

Sound familiar? If so, you're one of the lucky ones. Many families in Pennsylvania can't even get that far. They live in dental deserts - areas with no dental providers and no real options. For them, even basic dental care is out of reach.

The True Cost of a Cavity

Cavities cost more than just dental fees:

• Missed school for children
  
  
• Missed work for adults
  
  
• Time lost navigating the healthcare system
  
  
• Out-of-pocket costs and surprise bills
  
  
• Ongoing pain and stress

Cavities are an infectious disease. Left untreated, they can lead to severe infections, impact vital organs like the heart and lungs, worsen diabetes, and even affect brain function over time.

For Children, the Stakes Are Higher

Children with dental pain are four times more likely to struggle academically. When a child is in pain, it is difficult for them to pay attention and learn. Pain, sleep loss, and school absences create barriers to learning that can have long-term consequences.

Fluoride: A Proven, Cost-Effective Solution

Removing fluoride from community water supplies will make things worse. Communities with fluoridated water experience 25% fewer cavities. Fluoridated water is safe, effective, and cost-saving for families and taxpayers.

Fluoride toothpaste and rinses help, but fluoridated water remains the most equitable and impactful tool to prevent cavities. Everyone has access.

Who pays when dental decay increases? Taxpayers. Pennsylvania already spends nearly $300 million annually treating preventable dental disease—despite more than half the state having access to fluoridated water. Removing fluoride would only raise this "dental debt."

About Pennsylvania Coalition for Oral Health (PCOH)
PCOH is the leading voice working to improve oral health for all Pennsylvanians. By uniting leaders from public health, education, philanthropy, business, dentistry, insurance, and advocacy, PCOH advances workforce development, supports strong oral health infrastructure, and champions fluoridated water and policy improvements. Join our coalition of over 1,000 individuals and organizations and learn more at www.paoralhealth.org.

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SOURCE PA Coalition for Oral Health