Mixed news on fluoride in dental care survey

ALMOST two-thirds of 15-year-olds suffer from tooth decay, according to the first ever North/South dental care survey.

Since the last national survey was carried out in 1984, the average number of decayed or missing teeth in 15-year-olds has dropped from four to two.

The survey was carried out by the Oral Health Services Research Centre at University College Cork in conjunction with bodies in the North. The preliminary results will be presented to Health Minister Micheál Martin later today.

There is strong evidence in the survey that fluoridation of water supplies has succeeded in reducing tooth decay.

For every 1,000 15-year-olds in fluoridated areas, there were an estimated 2,100 decayed, missing or filled teeth compared with 3,200 in non-fluoridated areas. Children in the North, which does not fluoridate its water supplies, had a much higher average of 3,600 decayed, missing or filled teeth.

The North-South aspect of the survey was crucial for the researchers to make accurate comparisons. “We have non-fluoridated groups in the Republic but you might have 15-year-olds who are going to school in a fluoridated area. So they are getting some benefit from it,” said senior researcher Evelyn Crowley.

However, the survey authors expressed concern at the level of damage to the teeth of five-year-old children. There has been an increase in the level of enamel fluorosis (white marks on teeth), which is associated with the increased availability of fluoride.

Ms Crowley said parents should follow the advice of the recent Forum on Fluoridation. It recommended that fluoridated tooth paste should not be used for children under two and that for children over that age should only use a pea-size amount.

“If children ingest an excessive amount of fluoride, they get white spots. Parents should supervise the use of fluoride toothpaste,” Ms Crowley said.

Young children with decaying teeth can get a plastic resin, known as a fissure sealant, applied to other teeth to protect them.

In 1984, only 6% of children surveyed had fissure sealants and now 69% of 12 year olds have them.

The survey found children with medical cards had higher levels of tooth decay and recommended health boards increase the numbers of fissure sealants provided to this group.

Ms Crowley it was important children had the choices available to reduce their sugar consumption.