Tooth decay rife in Northland children

According to latest Ministry of Health figures, most Northland children have holes in their teeth.

Last year 69 per cent of Northland 5-year-olds had decayed teeth - the worst figure since records began in 1990.

Among Maori 5-year-olds, the figure is even worse - 86 per cent have tooth decay.

Nationally, about 48 per cent of 5-year-olds have decayed teeth. The average Northland 5-year-old's mouth has 4.11 decayed, missing or filled teeth, the highest rate in New Zealand.

Neil Croucher, Northland Health's dental services clinical director, said about 250 Northland children each year were so badly affected by tooth decay they needed treatment under general anaesthetic.

Dr Croucher said reasons for decay were "multifaceted", but included the absence of fluoridated water in Northland and the region's high level of socio-economic deprivation.

Poverty affected what parents could afford to give their children to eat and drink, and their ability to provide toothpaste and brushes.

Poor oral health led to trouble concentrating in school because of pain, which could affect higher education and influence job prospects. There were appearance factors to consider, which could cause difficulties socially as well.

Dental decay and gum disease had been linked to heart disease, diabetes and respiratory diseases.

Dr Croucher was pleased the Far North District Council would conduct a two-year trial of fluoridating water supply in Kaitaia and Kaikohe. "It's a chance to prove it really works," he said.

Far North District Council spokeswoman Alison Lees said the towns' water would likely be fluoridated by the end of next year.

- NZPA