8 November 2011
Increasing decay rates are resulting in a worrying number of young children being admitted to hospital for emergency dental treatment and extractions under general anaesthetic, according to the Australian Dental Association SA Branch (ADASA).
South Australian dentists are reporting seeing more young children aged between 5 and 14 with high levels of untreated decay.
Reports by local dentists are confirmed by the latest Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) statistics, which show that over 35% of South Australian children aged 5-6 years and over 22% of children aged 12 years have untreated decay.
ADASA President, Dr Angela Pierce, said more South Australian children aged under-14 are being admitted to hospital for extractions and dental treatment under general anaesthesia than for any other reason.
“Decay is too often being ignored or overlooked, and treatment is being left until children show signs of pain or infection.
“The result is more children having to be given a general anaesthetic for treatment, which increases the stress on the child and their family.
“Decay is also developing in children at any earlier age, with nearly half of children aged 5-6 having a history of decay in their baby teeth, and this trend is continuing into the teenage years and their permanent teeth,” said Dr Pierce.
“The oral health of Australian children continues to be of concern, and the Australian Dental Association is particularly worried about the long-term effects of the deterioration on the current generation.”
“The frustrating thing for dentists is that tooth decay is preventable.”
“Decay can be prevented through twice daily tooth brushing with fluoridated toothpaste, good diet including drinking fluoridated water, and regular dental check-ups.
“Children consuming bottled water instead of fluoridated tap water continues to be a problem and this message doesn’t seem to be getting through to parents.
“We’re also seeing a reduction in the frequency of brushing by Australian children with an increasing number only brushing their teeth once a day.
“Children also brush their teeth less as they get older and this only serves to compound the problem of untreated decay.”
The Australian Dental Association (ADA) is responding by targeting the parents of infants and toddlers, in order to get to encourage them to establish good practices from the outset.
The ADA has launched a website which provides information and tips on preventative oral healthcare, looking after children’s first teeth, when and how to start cleaning a child’s teeth and gums, first aid advice for dental injuries and dietary recommendations for health teeth.
The website is www.babyteeth.com.au
Issued by Hughes Public Relations:
Please contact Simon Hatcher at Hughes Public Relations on (08) 8412 4105; 0419 780 071 or simon@hughespr.com.au for further information.
