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One in three Australian children have tooth decay by the time they start school. This rises to more than 40% by the time they are eight or nine.
authors
Mihiri Silva
Pediatric Dentist, Senior Lecturer and Clinical Scientist Fellow, MCRI and University of Melbourne, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
Elodie O’Connor
Research Officer, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
Rachelle Welty
Lecturer at the University of Melbourne
Sharon Goldfeld
Director, Center for Children’s Community Health at the Royal Children’s Hospital; Professor, Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne; Director of Population Health Topics, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
Tooth decay occurs when frequent and excessive amounts of sugar disturb the bacteria in the mouth. This can lead to holes or “cavities”, which may need filling.
If left untreated, the holes can become larger, causing pain and infection. Tooth decay is the most common cause of toothache in children, and tooth decay is the leading cause of preventable hospital admissions.
Parents and caregivers sometimes think that baby teeth are less important than adult teeth. But tooth decay can impair a child’s ability to eat, sleep, learn and socialize. It can affect the quality of life of children, their parents and carers.
The good news is that tooth decay can be prevented with three good dental habits: early dental checkups, brushing twice a day, and limiting sugar.
1. Early dental check-ups
Australian and international guidelines recommend that children have their first dental check-up when the first tooth erupts (usually at six months), or at least at 12 months of age.
However, few families follow this advice, assuming that their child is too young or that they have healthy teeth.
Early dental checkups can detect early signs of tooth decay. This allows simple treatments, such as fluoride spray, which stops tooth decay from getting worse.
Australian children from families experiencing the greatest hardship are least likely to access dental services. However, all children of pre-school age are entitled to free dental check-ups through public dental services.
The Medicare children’s dental benefit scheme also provides a limited benefit for eligible children to use at their local dentist. About 95% of dentists bill bulk services under the Medicare scheme.
However, with take-up below 40%, most eligible households do not use the scheme, indicating that cost is only a barrier. Families living in rural and remote areas, for example, may find it difficult to access dental services.
2. Brush your teeth
Brushing twice a day using age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste is recommended. Australian fluoride guidelines recommend using a low-strength fluoridated toothpaste from the age of 18 months.
Many young children have teeth spaced apart, so flossing between the teeth may not be necessary. However, your dentist may recommend flossing if the teeth are in close contact.
While most Australian adults brush their teeth twice a day, brushing is less consistent in the early years.
For some parents and caregivers, brushing teeth can be a low priority, as it becomes difficult when young children are uncooperative. Dental checkups can help parents and caregivers get individualized support with these important dental habits.
Hand dexterity varies between children, so it is important to help children brush their teeth well in elementary school. Some children may need help for longer than others. Ask at your next dental checkup if your child is brushing well.
3. Limit sugar
Sugar consumption early in life can increase sugar preference as children grow.
Parents and caregivers should avoid giving children free sugars. Free sugars are those added to food and drinks (such as sweets and soft drinks) and those found naturally in honey and fruit juices.
The World Health Organization recommends limiting free sugars to less than 5% of total energy intake. However, many Australian children consume far more than this amount.
Parents and caregivers should be wary of aggressive marketing and misleading labeling of sugary drinks and foods as healthy alternatives.
Children should also avoid eating and drinking around bedtime to reduce the risk of tooth decay. This includes drinking milk and other sugar-sweetened beverages from bottles until bedtime.
The best alternative to sugary drinks is water. Drinking water from a fluoridated water supply will help protect your child’s teeth from decay.
Community water fluoridation was one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. But some Australians, particularly in rural and remote areas, miss out. People living in these areas may benefit from other fluoride therapies (such as fluoride mouthwashes), but should discuss this with their dentist.
Families have an important role in children’s dental health. Early dental checkups, twice-daily brushing with age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste, and limiting sugar will allow children to reach adulthood with healthy mouths.
Mihiri Silva receives funding from the Future of Medical Research Fund. She is affiliated with the Australian Dental Association as chair of the Oral Health Committee.
Sharon Goldfeld receives funding from the Canadian Institute of Health Research.
Elodie O’Connor and Rachelle Welti do not work for, consult with, own stock in, or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliation beyond their academic appointment.
/Courtesy of The Conversation. This material from the original organization/author(s) may be current in nature and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides and all views, opinions and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).
