The Australian Dental Association (ADA) is urging the NSW Government to expand school-based dental prevention programs, citing an urgent need to address childhood tooth decay.
Dr Thomas Tseng of Kincumber Dental noted that while the number of children on the Central Coast starting school with tooth decay is lower than in some other areas, the problem remains significant.
“High sugar intake, poor brushing habits, and increased consumption of bottled or filtered water, which lacks fluoride, all contribute to tooth decay,” Dr Tseng said. He added that excessive sugar intake also increases the risk of childhood obesity.
Dr Tseng emphasized that children typically do not develop the dexterity to brush effectively until around age seven or eight, so parents should continue brushing their children’s teeth until then.
NSW Health data shows that approximately 40% of children aged five to six have untreated or experienced dental disease by school age. Disadvantaged communities, including Aboriginal children, those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and families in regional or remote areas, are disproportionately affected.
“Tooth decay in early childhood affects more than teeth—it impacts eating, sleeping, concentration, and social confidence on a child’s first day of school,” ADA NSW President Dr Mark Morrin said.
Despite being largely preventable, childhood dental caries remains a leading health issue across NSW. Many families face barriers to early dental care due to cost, long public dental waitlists, and limited access to preventive services.
“Too many NSW kids start school already behind because of tooth decay that could have been prevented with simple care,” Dr Morrin said. He urged investment in education and collaboration between schools and families to ensure equitable oral health access, especially for those who need it most.
The ADA is calling for:
Regular dental screenings and reminders for check-ups, including promotion of the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) for eligible families.
Oral health education for children, parents, and carers.
Promotion of water as the drink of choice and reduced access to sugary drinks in school canteens.
Dr Morrin praised NSW Health’s Primary Schools Mobile Dental Program, which provides free dental check-ups and preventive care across 11 Local Health Districts, but stressed that preventive care must reach all children in every community.
“Prevention works, but only if children have access to early care where they spend much of their day,” he said.