Preventing Tooth Decay in Children

The Australian Dental Association (ADAVB) is warning parents and children that the correlation between diet and obesity also impacts directly upon the status of our teeth and oral health.

A study released in April by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare suggests that Victorian children have higher decay rates than children in some other Australian states, and the ADAVB is urging all Victorians to take a look at the state of their teeth.

Dr. Vlad Hardi, ADAVB President claims, "Recent studies have indicated an increased incidence of obesity in Australian children, and this combined with increased dental decay rates reinforces a need for all Victorians to return to good dietary habits."

"We're not telling parents to deny their children the occasion lolly or soft drink. What we are recommending is that parents and carers of children give thought to the amount of sugars and acids that are being consumed, especially between meals. While sugar is often considered as the major culprit in tooth decay, acids, commonly found in soft drinks, fruit juices and sports drinks also play a part in eroding tooth enamel. Additionally, the rise in consumption of bottled water which does not contain fluoride means that many children are now not getting the benefits of fluoride".

The National Health and Medical Research Council states that when applied appropriately, fluoridation remains the most cost effective and socially equitable means of achieving community-wide exposure to the caries preventive effects of fluoride. Water fluoridation is rated by the United States Centers for Disease Control as one of the top 10 public health measures of the 20th Century.

Michele Pink, dietitian with Dairy Australia further enforces the need for a healthy diet. "Good nutrition and eating habits are the key to maintaining strong and healthy teeth. By consuming three serves of dairy foods daily, children will benefit from dairy's unique package of tooth friendly nutrients - calcium, phosphorus and milk proteins.

Decay in baby teeth can have a powerful impact on a child's confidence and can also cause problems for the development of adult teeth, as first teeth are very important in the development of the adult bite. First teeth hold the space for adult teeth, so if they are lost early on to decay, there may not be sufficient room for adult teeth to grow properly.

The basic principles that children need to follow in order to help prevent dental decay include:

• Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods, especially those rich in calcium and low in acids and sugars
• Enjoy healthy snacks
• Drink plenty of tap water - especially if fluoridated
• Brush gently and thoroughly with a fluoride toothpaste (with a low concentration for children up to 7 years) and a soft compact head toothbrush
• Clean your teeth at least twice a day after meals
• Have regular dental checkups - don't wait for a problem to occur
• Dental checkups start with toddlers
• Soon after adult back teeth appear, have them checked, as they may need sealants

Children's teeth serve an invaluable function and need to be looked after appropriately.
For more information visit: www.ada.org.au