WV HAS HIGHEST RATE OF TOOTH LOSS IN USA

(09/08/2008)

Yes, yet another, West Virginia being on the worst list. West Virginia has the highest rate of tooth loss in the USA, with a third of residents 35 or younger having lost at least six permanent teeth. Researchers from West Virginia University and the University of Pittsburgh tracked 445 families. They found advanced gum disease in 80 percent of adults studied for a major oral health study in Appalachia. Richard Crout, associate dean for research at WVU's School of Dentistry, said the study shows rampant periodontal disease in adults, with signs of bone loss in 85 percent of subjects. Researchers said periodontitis can lead to bone destruction, tooth loss and even heart disease or stroke. Crout says dental care is not available to a large percentage of residents, indicating most families lack the financial resources to acquire the care.

Hur Herald ®from Sunny Cal The information on these pages, to the extent the law allows, remains the exclusive property of Bob Weaver and Dianne Weaver The Hur Herald. All information may be freely used but must not be sold or used in any type of commercial endeavor, or used on any web site without the express permission of the owners ©Bob and Dianne Weaver, The Hur Herald, 1999, 2000, 2001