Tooth decay is the most common chronic illness in children and can have a profound impact on a child's health and quality of life. Tooth decay has a significant impact on a child's health and wellbeing. Like other bacterial infections, tooth decay can worsen if left untreated. Children can be affected by:
Advice is given below to assist parents in fostering good dental hygiene habits:
0 to 12 months
12 to 18 months
18 months to 5 years
For all children
Quick facts:
11% of children under 3 years have experienced dental caries1.
47% of school entry aged children have decay2.
Dental caries is the third most common reason for preventable hospital admissions in children under 5 years3.
43% of children aged between two and eight years of age brush their teeth less than twice a day4.
Children at risk of being overweight can have higher caries experience than their normal weight peers5.
71% of children aged between one and five years have never had a dental visit6.
For more information on children's dentistry, please do not hesitate to contact DentalCareXtra. Alternatively, complete the form below, and one of our friendly team members will contact you.
References
1. Jones K and Tomar S. Estimated impact of competing policy recommendations for age of first dental visit. Pediatrics 2005; 115:906-914.
2. Department of Human Services 2007 Victorian Child Health and Wellbeing Survey Technical Report, 2006. Statewide Outcomes for Children Branch, Office for Children, Department of Human Services, Victorian Government, Melbourne.
3. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Research Report 53: Dental decay among Australian children 2011, Australian Government.
4. Department of Human Services 2007 Victorian Child Health and Wellbeing Survey Technical Report, 2006. Statewide Outcomes for Children Branch, Office for Children, Department of Human Services, Victorian Government, Melbourne.
5. Hong L, Ahmed A, McCunniff M et al (2008) Obesity and Dental Caries in Children Aged 2-6 Years in the United States: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2002. Journal of Public Health Dentistry 68, Issue 4, 227–233.
6. Department of Human Services 2007 Victorian Child Health and Wellbeing Survey Technical Report, 2006. Statewide Outcomes for Children Branch, Office for Children, Department of Human Services, Victorian Government, Melbourne.
Source: https://www.dhsv.org.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/43672/GP-fact-sheet_OH-_early-childhood-_FINAL-2015-04-27.pdf