Dental decay result of poor diet

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 27, 3 December 1984, Page 12

Dental decay result of poor diet

Recent publicity in the Bulletin has led to a greater awareness from both children and adults alike about the importance of dental care. Ohakune has one of the highest rates of tooth decay in the country — something that concerns Ohakune Primary School dental nurse, Michelle Reaburn. She believes that the main reason for the high number of fillings at her school clinic is bad diet. "Sweet things such as chocolate, lollies etc should be kept for mealtimes not as snacks throughout the day." "Parents should limit their children's sugar intake. If they must have snacks then such things as chips, cheezels, fruit, bread, cheese or carrots are ideal." Miss Reaburn added that she has seen a vast improvement in the seven years that she has been based in Ohakune although there is still a long way to go. Both she and dental nurse inspector, Miss Judy Brown, who visited the clinic from Palmerston North last week, are encouraged by figures which reveal that 40% of the Form Two pupils who will be attending college next year, have 'received five fillings or less in their lifetimes. However children who attend high school often let the dental nurse down by not attending the dentist's surgery despite the fact that they are sent an appointment card. Parents are encouraged to enroll their children at the dental clinic once the child has reached two years of age. Flouride tablets should

also be taken from about the age of six months but parents should consult either the Plunket Nurse, chemist or doctor to ascertain which tablets would be suitable. It is important to read the directions on the packet very carefully. Ohakune Primary School Principal, Mr Bill Taylor, is impressed with the work that Miss Reaburn is doing at the school particularly with regard to the school tuck shop which she has ensured is stocked with snack^that have a low sugar content such as yoghurt in the summer, soup in winter and chips etc. Dental care for children begins from birth. Food and drinks for babies do not need to have sugar added, |

while sweetened drinks — and this includes vitamin enriched syrups — can start the decay process with baby teeth. Never put honey or any other sweetener on a child's dummy or leave your child sucking a bottle of sweetened drink for long periods of

time. It can prove very damaging to your child's teeth. Pamphlets on caring for children's teeth are available from the Plunket Nurse or Michelle Reaburn at the Ohakune Dental Clinic in Arawa Street.

Mary Anne

Gill