Non-fluoridated water a dental risk for Northland kids
A lack of fluoridation in Northlanders’ water may be putting local kids at increased oral health risk.
As many as 7% of Kiwis receive their daily water from non-mains sources, such as rain tanks, river abstraction and underground bores (Water NZ). While this certainly can help with the monthly bills, studies suggest the lack of fluoridated water in these supplies could be increasing the oral health risk in children. Especially children of Māori or Pacific families.
Oral health risks in Northland
According to a report by Environmental Health Intelligence NZ (EHINZ), 68.5% of Kiwi children in year 8 at school who live in areas with fluoridated water are free of dental caries, that is, small holes in the teeth. This is compared to 63.3% of children living in non-fluoridated areas – a slight increase in risk.
Backing this up is a report from the NZ Medical Journal. It found that in Northland specifically, 40.1% of those drinking fluoridated water were found to have early childhood caries, compared to 47% of those drinking non-fluoridated water.
Northland’s Māori and Pacific communities were more likely than other groups to experience early childhood caries, with 59% and 64.5% found to have oral health problems, compared to 23.2% of Europeans.
But why is this happening?
This is a known problem to Northland DHB, which acknowledges that Northland has some of the lowest rates of dental health in the country. But why does fluoridation have such an impact?
Well, there are a lot of myths about fluoridation out there so it’s understandable why you might read the word and flinch. But fluoride – a naturally occurring substance – can actually have health benefits when it comes to our teeth.
Fluoride in water
The World Health Organisation recommends that water supplies contain about 0.7-1.0 ppm fluoride, to help prevent tooth decay. This is because fluoride fights acidity and helps to repair damage. It can:
Increase the strength of the surface of our teeth, helping them battle decay.
Repair early stages of tooth decay.
Interrupt bacteria as it tries to grow in our mouths.
If you use toothpaste, chances are you’re probably already using fluoride in your mouth! It’s very common for toothpastes in New Zealand to contain fluoride, as much as 1,000 ppm.
Learn more: Fluoride in our water (health.govt.nz)
Can’t get access to mains water? Here are some other dental tips
We know it’s easier to say that it’s better to have access to fluoridated mains water than for some communities to actually gain this access. So, if you can’t get fluoride in your water supply, what should you be doing to protect your kids’ health?
Encourage them to brush twice daily for two minutes at a time, using a fluoridated toothpaste. If they’re quite young, they will need your help!
Don’t forget to brush their tongues and gums, as both of these areas can harbour bacteria.
Regularly, once a day if you can, help your kids to floss their teeth.
For an extra boost, many dentists also recommend using antibacterial mouthwash on a regular basis (e.g. perhaps after lunch). This is only suitable for older kids.
Encourage your kids to only eat or snack at set times a day – rather than regularly throughout the day. This will give their saliva a chance to activate and help clean their mouths between snacks.
Try to limit the amount of sugary or acidic foods your kids eat each day.
If they do eat sugary or acidic food, encourage them to rinse their mouths with water when they are finished. In fact, drinking throughout the day (even non-fluoridated water) is a great way to wash out debris and bacteria.
Learn more: “How to clean your gums and keep them healthy”
If you feel your kids have a problem in their mouths and you’re in the Whangarei area, don’t delay.
Children under the age of 17 in NZ can often get basic dental services for free!
Here at Kowhai Dental, we offer subsidised dental care for kids in their teens, and a variety of payment options and plans for everyone else. See our dental payment plans here and our kid’s dental treatments.
When you’re ready for your appointment, come in to see us on Maunu Road. Book now by calling 09 430 0707 or book an appointment online.