May 4 (iVillage Total Health) - Despite improvements in dental health for many Americans, tooth decay is on the rise among preschool children, according to a report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Tooth decay is the destruction of tooth enamel by dental plaque that causes holes known as cavities. Tooth decay strikes people of all ages, but is particularly prevalent in children. It is the single most common condition in children ages 5 to 17 years and affects 59 percent of children in this age bracket, according to the CDC.

The CDC released a report entitled "Trends in Oral Health Status: United States, 1988-1994 and 1999-2004" in April of 2007. This report uses data from the National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES) to present a clear picture of American dental trends.

According to the report, tooth decay in the primary teeth of children between the ages of 2 and 5 has increased from 24 percent in 1988-1994 to 28 percent in 1999-2004. Tooth decay rates varied by race, ethnicity and poverty levels, as well. Mexican American children showed greater percentages of tooth decay than non-Hispanic white children, and the tooth decay rate for children below the federal poverty line was three times that of children above the poverty line.

In contrast to these numbers among preschoolers, there were many improvements among older American children. Tooth decay rates in children over the age of five decreased, and the use of dental sealants increased. Rates of moderate to severe gum disease decreased among adults, and more older adults retained their natural teeth.

Copyright 2007 iVillage Total Health.