New teeth for dental nurse

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 29, 15 December 1987, Page 3

New teeth for dental nurse

A guardian of young Waimarino teeth for the past decade, Michelle Reaburn, is leaving for a change of scenery and a change of climate. Dental Nurse Reaburn leaves behind the care of teeth of 400 primary school age children from Ohakune, Rangataua, Ngamatea and Orautoha for 1000 children up to form two age at Katikati, near Tauranga. Nurse Reaburn came to Ohakune in 1977, to work with another dental nurse at caring for 600 to 700 children's teeth. She said at . that time they were filling 100 teeth per month as part of their dental care, but from about three years ago the number has dropped to about 20 per month.

She puts the improvement in teeth mainly down to fluoride treatment. Fluoride is now in most toothpaste

and in some cases children are given fluoride tablets to improve the strength of their teeth. "The children's teeth have really improved but they still have a lcng way to go to catch up to the rest of the country" said Nurse Reaburn. Diet is another factor which influences teeth decay, she said. "Holes are only caused by sugar, even with soft teeth," said Miss Reaburn. Sugar in small amounts is all right, it's children constantly eating sweet snacks that does the damage, that includes drinks with lots of sugar, natural or artificial like soft drinks and fruit juice." She said one of the sad things here is the number of mothers who lose all their teeth when pregnant.

"It's one of the most common excuses around here, but there are plenty of women who don't lose their teeth when pregnant", she said. "In most cases it's just the type of food eaten that does the damage". Michelle Reaburn has cared for the teeth of most children in the area. Many children now at college have been looked after by Miss Reaburn right through primary school. "I've been to one of my patient's wedding!" she said. At an average of 15 young patients per school day it adds up to about 27,000 mouths to look into ! When asked if she would miss the place she said "Of course! I have loved it here, I'll be sad to go".