Untreated Tooth Decay In Md. Children Declines

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Public health officials say number of Maryland children with untreated tooth decay declined by 41 percent between 2001 and 2011.

The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene said Tuesday that a survey showed about 33 percent of school children had at least one dental sealant on their permanent first molars.

Officials say about 14 percent of school children had untreated dental caries, compared to 23 percent in 2000-2001.

The survey involved 1,723 students in 52 schools throughout the state.