Waimarino's young teeth improving

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 640, 11 June 1996, Page 5

Waimarino's young teeth improving

Waimarino children have healthier teeth now compared to a year ago, a group of nurses concerned with the preventive care in dental health were told at a meeting held recently. Figures showed there was a "slight but significant" improvement in the health of children's teeth in the Waimarino. The nurses felt the improvement must be as a result of I the increased awareness in the community of the need to look after children's teeth and prevent tooth decay. "However, there is still room for improvement," said the nurses. Around half of Waimarino five-year-olds have some cavities requiring fillings and a significant number of children are having to have teeth extracted out of town. It is stressed that the two year old's visit to the dental nurse is necessary to pick up any problems, discuss good eating and teeth-cleaning habits and establish trust and familiarity with the nurse. Parents and care givers can ring Jenny Dekker, 06-385-4566 in Raetihi or Robin Rewharewha, 06-385-8388 in Ohakune to make appointments or ask for advice. A few tips on avoiding tooth decay are to avoid adding sugar to babies' and toddlers' food, no sweet drinks and Milo in babies' bottles and to encourage regular thorough brushing from 18 months. It is better to have a savoury snack and save sweetened food for meal times. "By starting early we can avoid toothache, fillings, | extractions and also save money," say the nurses. ^