Disturbing trend in kids' dental health

Private health insurance fund MBF has released disturbing claims information that showed a 42% increase in children being treated in private hospitals for dental cavities.

The analysis of children's dental claims for 2000 and 2005 revealed that in 2000, some 436 children to the age of 12 had been admitted to private hospitals to repair dental caries. But in 2005, the number of admissions for children treated for cavities increased to 619 - 42% more than five years earlier. Some 228 children aged 12 or under needed stainless steel crowns in 2005 to deal with more serious cavities - up from 83 such cases in 2000.

The MBF analysis showed that six-year-olds experienced the biggest increase in private hospital admissions for the treatment of dental cavities with 42 admissions in 2000 almost doubling to 82 in 2005.

MBF chief medical officer, Dr Christine Bennett, said it was a matter of significant concern that dental caries ranks fourth on the top ten diagnoses that lead to the admission of children to private hospitals for treatment.

"The study of our hospital claims data is another indication that the overall dental health of our children is deteriorating," Dr Bennett said. "Our analysis showing a big increase in claims for children's dental treatment may lend support to those who believe the use of unfluoridated bottled or filtered water is reducing the exposure of children to fluoride's proven dental protection. Although bottled water is certainly a better alternative to soft drinks and juices alone, ultimately children should be encouraged to drink fluoridated domestic tap water."

The MBF dental claims study is consistent with wider research such as The Child Dental Health Survey that showed decay in the baby teeth and permanent teeth of Australian children is increasing.