NZ children's dental health still among worst- Blog #8

KaRika Jones
March 15, 2011
2:45 pm

        In New Zealand recently there are 44% of five year old's that have at least one decayed, filled or missing tooth. 48 % of those children have cavities. It is very clear that New Zealand has the worst cast of dental are for children compared to other countries like Australia, Untied States and United Kingdom. How did the children oral health get so bad? Well the parent are not providing their children with healthy nutrients like drinking soda and eating junk food. The effects of this is the child may lose their baby teeth, leaving no space for adult teeth. Many specialist are trying to spread the awareness on how to take care of teeth properly, especially if the child's teeth are already damaged. It's documented that eating healthy fruits and vegetables are water is the best source. Nothing with high sugars because that turns into acid and breaks down the surface. Even brushing your teeth twice a day helps. To help this situation the government spent $417 million in dental care in 2007. They also provided free dental care for up to the age of 18. The government recently allocated $116 million to refurbish and build dental clinics and to also give $40 million to community clinics annually.
        I am the oldest of six sisters and it would be crazy to see them all have bad teeth at such a young age. Im sure this is not just a problem that happens in New Zealand. Lack of nutrients, water, foods effects many people especially in underdeveloped  countries. I'm glad that New Zealnd is putting forth the finances to prevent the high percentage of bad dental hygiene of children. I just hope that other countries can come together and somehow do the same.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10710408