A recent survey reveals that many Australian parents lack basic knowledge about children’s dental care, particularly when their children should see a dentist for the first time, and generally underestimate the importance of caring for primary teeth.
A poll of 25,000 adults conducted by the Australian Dental Association (ADA) revealed that one in five children only brushes their teeth once a day.
Despite 87% of parents knowing that fruit juice can cause tooth decay, 27% of children still drink fruit juice daily, and nearly 40% drink sugary soda two to five times a week.
While the majority of children (68%) brush their teeth twice a day, more than three-quarters never floss or do so without adult assistance. Dental professionals recommend daily flossing from the time their second primary tooth appears.
However, Dr. Chris Sanzaro, President of the Tasmanian ADA, noted that one-third of children don’t see a dentist for the first time until they develop a dental problem, which is much later than ideal.
Dr. Sanzaro emphasized, “Children should have their first dental visit either when their first tooth erupts or before their first birthday, whichever comes first. This may seem early, but it helps familiarize infants with the dental environment and allows for early detection of potential problems.”
The survey also revealed public misunderstanding regarding the timing of a first dental visit: only a quarter of respondents believed that one year old or earlier was the optimal time; 40% believed two years old was appropriate, and a further 30% believed it should wait until three or even four years old.
Dr. Sanzaro noted that many parents do not understand the important function of primary teeth. “Primary teeth are not only involved in chewing, pronunciation, and aesthetics, but more importantly, they provide space for permanent teeth.
If a primary tooth is severely decayed and removed, the space will close, causing crowding of the permanent teeth, potentially requiring orthodontic treatment in the future.”
The survey also revealed a neglect of oral health among pregnant women. Despite research linking dental problems during pregnancy to premature birth and low birth weight, over 75% of women still do not have a dental checkup before pregnancy.
“It’s safe to have dental checkups and treatments during pregnancy, including most dental X-rays,” Dr. Sanzaro added.
Paige O’Brien, a parent in Albury, New South Wales, shared her daughter Charlotte’s experience. The six-year-old girl sought medical attention for her “pointy” teeth and ended up having five stainless steel crowns fitted on her back teeth.
O’Brien admitted she was shocked by the extent of Charlotte’s tooth decay. “We only brushed our teeth in the morning and occasionally at night, and never flossed or rinsed.”
Because Charlotte suffered from constipation as a child, her doctor recommended she drink more fruit juice, which became a significant risk for tooth decay.
“She loved fruit juice, but we didn’t realize how harmful it was to her teeth,” O’Brien said. Now, she’s more knowledgeable about dental care and has stepped up her daughter’s routine.
Luckily, Charlotte was able to receive support through the federal government’s Child Dental Benefit Scheme, which provides up to $1,132 in dental benefits to eligible children over two calendar years.
Gregory Ooi, a pediatric dentist at Queensland Children’s Hospital, stated that dental caries are extremely common among children, particularly in families from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds.
He emphasized, “It’s one of the most common chronic diseases in both children and adults, and our progress in prevention remains limited. Every year, both public and private healthcare systems spend a significant amount of money treating these avoidable conditions.”
Dr. Ooi explained that the primary cause of tooth decay is dental plaque, a bacterial film that adheres to teeth. If not effectively removed, the bacteria thrive in a sugary environment, gradually eroding the teeth. “If a person consumes sugar more than four times a day and doesn’t clean their teeth regularly, tooth decay is almost inevitable.”
The survey was primarily conducted online, supplemented by telephone interviews with 1,500 Australians aged 65 and over who did not have access to internet access.
To reach a diverse population, the survey was available in multiple languages, including Arabic, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Hindi, and Punjabi.
This study reinforces the importance of good oral hygiene, which begins in infancy, and that parental attitudes and actions play a crucial role in preventing tooth decay.