U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for May 13

WASHINGTON, May 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090226/CENSUSLOGO)

THURSDAY, MAY 13: ROOT CANALS

Profile America — Thursday, May 13th.  There are a number of special observances in May, ranging from National Vinegar Month to National Smile Month.  But the most intriguing may be the one held today — which is Root Canal Appreciation Day.  The idea is that while no one voluntarily chooses to have a root canal — across the country, an estimated 17 million teeth are saved each year by the procedure, which has become common and much less painful than those performed in the past.  Of course, many root canals could be avoided if we each took better care of our teeth on a daily basis.  As a nation, our total bill for dental services is nearly $100 billion a year. Americans spend an average of $315 annually on their dental care.  Profile America is beginning its 14th year as a public service of the U.S. Census Bureau.

Sources:  Statistical Abstract of the United States 2010, t. 129, 130

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look for "Multimedia Gallery" by the "Newsroom" button).  

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau