Summary

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.