FED: Tooth damage extensive among Aboriginal preschoolers

AAP General News (Australia)
12-14-2007
FED: Tooth damage extensive among Aboriginal preschoolers

Eds: Embargoed until 0100 AEDT Friday, December 14



SYDNEY, Dec 14 AAP - Fewer than five per cent of Aboriginal preschoolers brush their
teeth regularly, according to a report showing rates of dental decay are rising.

The report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows rates of tooth decay
have increased among indigenous children in recent years, with those six and younger worst
affected.

Those who are less well off or living in rural and remote areas were hardest hit.

Co-author Dr Kaye Roberts-Thomson, from the institute's Dental Statistics and Research
Unit, said hospitalisation for treatment of dental decay occurred at higher rates among
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children than among other children.

"This is partly related to more dental disease and partly related to lack of timely
access to dental services," Dr Roberts-Thomson said.

She said diet was also an issue.

"Sugar, particularly in the form of soft drinks, which are readily accessible even
in the remotest of communities, is a factor in the poorer oral health of indigenous children."

The report showed that fewer than five per cent of remote indigenous pre-school children
brushed their teeth on a regular basis.

And many young remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children experienced extensive
destruction of their baby teeth.

Dr Roberts-Thomson said the findings indicate a need for an increased focus on prevention
and primary health care for oral health of indigenous children, particularly among preschoolers.

Previous reports have shown that the oral health of all Australian children has worsened
since 1996, even though by international standards the oral health of Australian children
is generally good.

AAP tam/it/mn

KEYWORD: TEETH (EMBARGOED)

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