The Effectiveness Of Consuming Fluoridated Water In Reducing Children's Caries Experience.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$507,090.00
Summary
The extent to which water fluoridation has contributed to the considerable reduction of dental decay in children in recent times in Australia is unclear, due perhaps to the increasing availability of fluoride in other sources such as toothpaste, drops, tablets, and professional applications. It is proposed to monitor for approximately three years a sample of 23,140 primary and secondary school children to examine the precise contribution of consuming fluoridated water to new tooth decay. The pro ....The extent to which water fluoridation has contributed to the considerable reduction of dental decay in children in recent times in Australia is unclear, due perhaps to the increasing availability of fluoride in other sources such as toothpaste, drops, tablets, and professional applications. It is proposed to monitor for approximately three years a sample of 23,140 primary and secondary school children to examine the precise contribution of consuming fluoridated water to new tooth decay. The project also aims to examine the comparative role of diet, toothbrushing, socioeconomic status, and other factors in the development of tooth decay. Given the widespread fluoridation of water supplies in Australia, and the continuing public debate over the extent of its effectiveness in preventing tooth decay, one of the project's most significant features is its capacity to contribute to a calculation of the cost effectiveness of water fluoridation as a public health strategy for the reduction of decay experience in children. The findings of the project will provide a strong argument for either eliminating fluoride from the water supply due to it's negligable public benefit or extending water fluoridation to the remaining quarter of the Australian population who are currently being disadvantaged by not having access to the health benefits derived from consuming fluoridated water.Read moreRead less
Long-term Efficacy Of An Oral Health Promotion Program In The Prevention Of Early Childhood Caries.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$165,664.00
Summary
The aim of the project is to test the long-term efficacy of oral health promotion program, the purpose of which is to lower the prevalence of tooth decay among young children. Tooth decay affects approximately 1 in 6 children by age of 3 years and 1 in 2 children by age of 5 years. The disease negatively influences all aspects of quality of life of child. Tooth decay is associated with infection, pain, and frequent hospitalisation. The proposed project is a follow-up of an randomised controlled ....The aim of the project is to test the long-term efficacy of oral health promotion program, the purpose of which is to lower the prevalence of tooth decay among young children. Tooth decay affects approximately 1 in 6 children by age of 3 years and 1 in 2 children by age of 5 years. The disease negatively influences all aspects of quality of life of child. Tooth decay is associated with infection, pain, and frequent hospitalisation. The proposed project is a follow-up of an randomised controlled trial (RCT), which started with enrolment of pregnant women. They were randomised into the test and control groups. Mothers in test group received 3 round of preventive oral health information in the form of anticipatory guidance, the first round at enrolment, the second and third at 6, 12 months of age of child respectively. The information was mailed to their home address. All children were examined at age of 20 months of age. The children in the test group had lower prevalence of tooth decay compared to children in control group, (test group 1,7%, control group 9.6%). While the oral health information was effective in preventing decay at 20 months, longer-term follow-up is highly desirable. Therefore, we plan to follow-up the oral health of the children at 5 - 6 years old. It is anticipated, that 75% mothers from the trial will be contactable and will continue with their participation in the study. A third comparative group of children at the same age will be drawn from database of the South Australian School Dental Services to check if the children in the trial are representative of all SA school children. All children will be examined by dentists or school dental therapists after they enter school. The prevalence of the tooth decay and its mangement will be examined and compared among children from test and control groups and children from community.Read moreRead less
Implementation And Sustainability Of Non-surgical Intervention For Dental Caries In General Dental Practice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$390,388.00
Summary
Dentists in NSW and the ACT used new protocols to stop the spread of tooth decay. Many decayed teeth were then remineralised without the use of injections or drilling and filling. The process by which the dentists reorganised their practices to implement the protocols and how they explained them to their patients and practice staff will now be investigated to discover how best to promote their use Australia-wide. The sustainability and cost-effectiveness of this type of care will be measured.
Caries Initiation Across Childhood To Adulthood By Exposure To Water Fluoridation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$198,297.00
Summary
This research program is expected to contribute to filling significant gaps in the understanding of factors determining the oral health of Australian children and young adults. The purpose of the project is to develop a better understanding of the outcome of long-term exposure to fluoridated water among young adults.
Intervention Strategies For The Prevention Of Early Childhood Caries
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$125,000.00
Summary
Rampant dental decay in young children remains an important challenge for preventive dentistry. Although it is a preventable disease, the prevalence is high in many disadvantaged communities. The study will examine a few intervention programs to determine their effectiveness in preventing early childhood decay. These include brushing the teeth with a safe, dental antibacterial gel compared to traditional oral hygiene methods. Brushing with antibacterial gels at crucial times during the establish ....Rampant dental decay in young children remains an important challenge for preventive dentistry. Although it is a preventable disease, the prevalence is high in many disadvantaged communities. The study will examine a few intervention programs to determine their effectiveness in preventing early childhood decay. These include brushing the teeth with a safe, dental antibacterial gel compared to traditional oral hygiene methods. Brushing with antibacterial gels at crucial times during the establishment of the oral flora is likely to prevent decay-causing bacteria from colonising a child’s mouth, so that the risk of dental decay is reduced, not only during childhood, but possibly extending to adulthood as well.Read moreRead less