A group of oral specialists have urged multiple stakeholders to take action regarding the declining oral health of children in Aotearoa New Zealand. The specialists have found that a huge number of children have tooth decay – capable of causing oral damage. Certain groups are more vulnerable than others, with multiple changes needing to be made.
A group of oral health specialists have said that urgent changes need to be made to combat the declining dental health of children in Aotearoa New Zealand.
However, the specialists have mentioned that the problem is too large for just one service to solve. Instead, they have urged multiple stakeholders across Aotearoa New Zealand to act together to improve this dire situation.
Background
Aotearoa New Zealand has a long history of providing publicly funded dental care for children and young people [1]. This is something that many countries offer. In fact, an increasing number of nations are turning to such a model, with Europe’s Spain among the most recent to take steps towards this [2].
Despite this, dental decay is the most common non-communicative disease among children in Aotearoa New Zealand [1]. However, certain groups across the nation fare worse.
For example, the Māori and Pasifika people, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, and those without access to community water fluoridation are most affected [1].
By the time children become teenagers, 5.6% of Māori people have experienced dental decay [1]. 70% of Pasifika people have experienced tooth decay – underlining the terrible situation facing some people [1].
The report
A group of oral specialists provided a report on the current situation. It was led by Senior Lecturer in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Otago – Dr. Dorothy Boyd [1].
Dr. Boyd has been particularly concerned about the damage tooth decay does to children. She says that “all children deserve to eat, sleep, learn and play without dental pain and oral infection” [3].
But the report found that a “tsunami” of childhood caries is developing [1]. The dental system in Aotearoa New Zealand is under significant pressure – including long waiting times, lack of communication between different care sectors, and disparities in healthcare access across the country [1].
The report highlighted the issue of disparities in healthcare across the country as something particularly important [1]. This disparity has led to some children having better access to dental treatment than others.
Other issues include how certain demographics live in poverty, meaning travelling to dental clinics can be difficult. Then there are also those who live in areas without fluoridated public water [1]. Therefore, there are many factors at play here.
So what can be done?
The authors of the report have said that action should be taken as soon as possible [1]. They have argued that the prevention of poor oral health will require efforts from the Government, health professionals, society, businesses and the public [1].
Dr. Boyd has identified this moment as “an opportunity for radical change” [3]. Continuing, she mentioned that as a society, “it is time for us to demand that our children are protected from harm” [3].
Boyd has said that practical changes include government legislation, increased parental responsibility for children’s oral health and less marketing of unhealthy foods to children [1].
Furthermore, Dr. Boyd suggested that there needs to be an improvement in the affordability of healthy food, fluoride toothpaste and toothbrushes [1]. The belief is that such efforts can help to improve the situation. Therefore, these recommendations should be taken into account by many groups.
Thinking points…
1) This article primarily focuses on children. However, the findings are still relevant for adults – and show the importance of our oral health. Therefore, we should all remember to have excellent oral hygiene. As part of this, it is important to attend a dental clinic for a regular check-up. We strongly recommend that you book an appointment right away!
2) Do you have any children? If so, think about this article – is there anything you can do to improve your children’s oral health? Maybe you could supervise them cleaning their teeth and encourage a healthy diet. But most importantly, remember to take them to regular dental check-ups. Consider booking an appointment for them soon!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that offers many services, including regular check-ups, cavity fillings and root canals.
We are also pleased to offer some cosmetic services. Here at our Calgary dental clinic, we offer treatments like tooth whitening, Invisalign™ and dental implants.
It is important for oral problems to be addressed early. Any issues can be identified at check-ups. If further treatment is needed after a check-up, our patients receive a clear treatment plan that is suited to their needs. Early detection helps to prevent the problem getting worse.
The best way of avoiding extra treatment is to have strong oral hygiene. This includes brushing our teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and getting a dental check-up at least twice a year. Avoiding sugary foods and drink and not smoking also helps.
Our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental follows the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This means our prices are competitive, transparent and affordable.
We would love you to visit us here at Savanna Dental soon! You can see more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.
References
[1] Boyd, D. H., Moffat, S. M., Foster Page, L. A., & Kura Lacey, J. (2022). Oral health of children in Aotearoa New Zealand—time for change. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand. (Pre-publication issue). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03036758.2022.2069826.
[2] Right Casa. (2022). Spanish Government Offers Children Free Dental Care. Available: https://rightcasa.com/spanish-government-offers-children-free-dental-care/. Last accessed: 8th July 2022.
[3] University of Otago. (2022). Dental system failing children, urgent change needed according to oral specialists. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-07-dental-children-urgent-oral-specialists.html. Last accessed: 8th July 2022.
