Open wide: the oral habits of Aussie families revealed (Dental Health Week)

Most parents take their young child for their first dental visit years later than recommended, a new survey out today reveals.

Also, most parents aren’t aware they should start flossing from a very early age - and they’re still giving them fruit juice despite knowing it contributes to decay.

New data out today (30 July) from an Australian Dental Association’s (ADA) survey of 25,000 Australian adults found that 40% (1) of us think around two years old is acceptable for the first dental visit, while 20% believe it should be age three and 10% believe age four or older is appropriate. Only 25% thought age one or younger would be right.

“It all points to the need to fill in the gaps in parents’ knowledge of the right time to take action,” said ADA President Dr Chris Sanzaro. “Dentists recommend taking a child for their first dental visit when their first tooth comes through or by the age of one – whichever comes first.

“To some people that may seem a bit young - but it helps introduce the infant to the sights, sounds and sensations of the dentist, as well as helping to spot any issues early - though it’s unusual for much to be done at the first few visits.

“That way subsequent visits when perhaps an x-ray, scale and clean or filling is needed, won’t be so confronting for the child.”

When it comes to cleaning between the teeth, 76% of children never floss themselves, nor have their parents do it - many survey respondents thought it not worthwhile while baby teeth are in place.

However, once a child has two or more baby teeth side-by-side, dentists recommend parents floss daily. The majority (61%) of families have introduced their child to the concept at between ages six and 13.

“Parents do their best to get to the dentist or start good oral habits at home but in a busy world, where there’s no shortage of information, it can be challenging for parents to ensure all the necessary appointments have been made at the right times,” said Dr Sanzaro, a Launceston dentist.

When a child did see a dentist, 46% of first dental visits were for a checkup and 33% for pain or a problem. Others only went after an accident or injury, with teething issues or when referred by a GP.

“It’s best not to wait for the child to be experiencing any pain or have an issue because then their first time may be more challenging for them, and the parent, in a new environment.”

Other oral health truths uncovered:

-75% of women didn’t have a dental checkup before conception, which is vital because poor oral health in pregnant mothers is associated with poorer pregnancy outcomes like low birthweight babies.

- the good news is 68% of kids brush their teeth twice a day, though 21% only do it once a day. This related to parents of kids under three, who either thought once was appropriate or because of issues around the child co-operating at the basin.

- Frequency of kids getting a checkup: 29% in the last 12 months, 58% every 12 to 24 months and 9% when there was a problem.

- Sports and fizzy soft drinks: 38% of kids had a soft drink 2 to 5 times a week, and 24% up to twice a week.

- Fruit juice: 27% of kids had fruit juice every day and 38% between 2 and 5 times a week, despite 87% of parents saying they’re aware these drinks lead to tooth decay (which is 11% more parents than in 2017.)

So, while parental knowledge of the harm from sugary drinks has increased, the proportion of children consuming them up to five times a week has only declined by 6% since 2018.

“Anecdotally parents were a bit in the dark when it comes to the sugar levels in most fruit juices, our study found. The federal government has a responsibility to make sure manufacturers provide easier to understand labels so parents can make informed choices without needing a degree in nutrition! (2)

“The survey takeaway is that in a world full of information, it’s challenging for parents to ensure they’re meeting the basic health needs of their children, and their teeth shouldn’t be overlooked.”