Rural children need better dental care
Children in rural Victoria are four times more likely to be hospitalised for dental problems than those in metropolitan Melbourne.
Dental caries (decay) is one of the most common chronic diseases in childhood, yet is entirely preventable. In rural areas, twice as many children suffer from tooth decay than those in metropolitan areas. The worst affected are regions where the public water supply is not fluoridated. As well as a costly trip to the dentist, caries affect sleep, concentration, learning, growth and development.
Country KIDS, a community intervention project by researchers at MCRI was recently trialled in Baw Baw, Wangaratta, the Colac Otway and Corangamite Shires.
The largest initiative of its type in Australia, Country KIDS promotes the importance of developing good oral habits from an early age to prevent problems later in life. Over 1100 children received ‘Dental starter kits’, including a toothbrush, toothpaste and information about dental care.
Results from the Country KIDS project, which was funded by the National Health & Medical Research Council is currently being analysed by researchers.