Sunday, March 06, 2011

NZ children's dental health still among worst - National - NZ Herald News

In 67% fluoridated New Zealand: "Forty-four per cent of 5-year-olds have at least one decayed, missing or filled tooth, a school dental services report has found.

The Government has spent $417 million on the problem since 2007 but the figures have shown little improvement.

In 2000, 48 per cent of 5-year-olds had cavities, and the figure has not dropped below 43 per cent since.

New Zealand rates are worse than the UK, US and Australia.

Auckland paediatric dentist Clarence Tam said it wasn't unusual to see children as young as 2 or 3 with huge holes in several teeth.

"It definitely seems to be on the rise for 5-year-olds and younger children

NZ children's dental health still among worst - National - NZ Herald News: