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.