Levels of dental decay have increased among Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander children in recent years, particularly among
those aged less than seven years, according to a report released
today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
The report, Oral Health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Children, shows that poor dental health, including
dental decay, is more common among Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander children than other children, and that Indigenous children
who are less well off and those in rural and remote areas are most
affected.
Report co-author, Dr Kaye Roberts-Thomson of the AIHW's Dental
Statistics and Research Unit said that hospitalisation for
treatment of dental decay occurred at higher rates among Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander children than among other children.
'This is partly related to more dental disease and partly
related to lack of timely access to dental services,' Dr
Roberts-Thomson said.
'Diet is also an issue. Sugar, particularly in the form of soft
drinks, which are readily accessible even in the remotest of
communities, is a factor in the poorer oral health of Indigenous
children.
'The findings of this report indicate a need for an increased
focus on prevention and primary health care for oral health of
Indigenous children, particularly among preschoolers,' she
said.
Since 1996 the oral health of all Australian children has
worsened, even though by international standards the oral health of
Australian children is generally good.
14 December 2007
Further information: Dr Kaye Roberts-Thomson,
AIHW, tel. 08 8303 4454, or Dr Lisa Jamieson, AIHW, tel. 08 8303
4611.
For media copies of the report: Publications
Officer, AIHW, tel. +61 2 6244 1032.
Availability: Check the AIHW Publications
Catalogue for the availability of Oral Health of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children.