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Daniel W. McNeil, Eberly Distiniguished Professor Emeritus, Clinical Professor Emeritus of Dental Public Health & Professional Practice, West Virginia University

No, it's not just sugary food that's responsible for poor oral health in America's children, especially in Appalachia

Tooth decay can cause pain, embarrassment, missed school and more. Olga Simonova/EyeEm via Getty Images

Brushing your teeth is essential for maintaining optimal oral health, but like most aspects of health, the full story is more complicated.

As directors of the Center for Oral Health Research in Appalachia, we know firsthand that inequalities exist when it comes to oral health, including in children. Some people or groups have considerably more oral health problems than others because of a combination of factors beyond personal dental hygiene.

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