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released: 24 Jul 2009 author: AIHW Dental Statistics and Research Unit

This report provides information on the oral health impacts experienced by Australian children during the period 2004-06. It investigates differences in parent-reported toothache, eating difficulties and poor oral health perception between children with different dental visiting patterns and treatment needs.

ISSN 1445-775X; Cat. no. DEN 200; 4pp.; INTERNET ONLY

Main findings

Only a minority of Australian children (<12%) regularly experienced toothache or the need to avoid eating certain foods because of problems with their teeth or mouth.

  • More than 90% of parents considered their child's oral health to be good, very good or excellent.
  • Oral health impacts varied by children's age, sex and state of residence.
  • Children with more oral health impacts were more likely to visit the dentist regularly.
  • Reduced dental visiting was associated with poorer oral health.
  • Greater treatment need was strongly associated with more oral health impacts.

Recommended citation

AIHW Dental Statistics and Research Unit 2009. Oral health impacts among children by dental visiting and treatment needs. DSRU research report no. 44. Cat. no. DEN 200. Canberra: AIHW. Viewed 12 June 2013 <http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=6442468268>.