Kids teeth in Australia in decay mode

William Atkins
Sunday, 12 October 2008 21:15

Science - Health

An Australian research study shows that 97% of pre-school children in Australia are not brushing their teeth and gums correctly. In fact, one Australian health expert calls bad teeth: "leprosy of the mouth.'' Oh, yuck!


Galaxy Research, an Australian market research company that provides various polling and research studies for state and federal governments and private companies, performed the research.

The study was paid for by Oral-B (makers of toothbrushes and other hygiene products), and supported by the Australian Dental Association and many dentists from New South Wales.

The Daily Telegraph reports “Dentists now warn a generation of kids will grow up facing rotting teeth, extractions and gum disease.” [Daily Telegraph: "Dental crisis is about to bite us”]

The research showed these dramatic findings:

•    85% of parents have trouble getting their children to brush their teeth and gums

•    Over 50% of pre-school have never visited a dentist

•    Average tooth-brushing for pre-school children was one minute

•    Only 9% of children brushed two minutes or more, the recommended minimum amount of time

•    Over 66% of parents are worried about the dental health of their children

•    Only 7% of parents brush their children’s teeth

•    Nearly 50% of six-year-old children already have cavities in their baby teeth

•    42% of 12-year-old children have cavities in their permanent teeth

Please read page two.