Tuff Teeth in Te Pahu (2004)
Group or Institution
Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec)
Author(s)
Nerida Bates, Bailey Webby, Sandra Koers, Lynne Brocklebank, Kate Robinson, Debbie Briscoe, Sian Guthrie, Judith Broome (Tutor: Suzanne Moorhouse)
Abstract
Tuff Teeth Te Pahu was a project eight nursing students and a tutor undertook in conjunction with Te Pahu School and their P.T.A. in a quest to provide the parents and children with knowledge of dental hygiene with the hopes of decreasing the incidence of dental caries amongst the children of Te Pahu.
The project outcomes were decided upon after an initial meeting with our stakeholder (a teacher at the school), which were to investigate fluoridated water, nutrition, and general dental hygiene and care. To assess the wants and needs of the parents we sent out a questionnaire. Upon analysis of the data it was noted the parents were interested in the fluoridated water issue and nutrition, as well, the role if any genetics plays, and how medications such as antibiotics and asthma inhalers impact on teeth.
Our project required us to undertake a literature review in which we sought answers to the parent’s queries and to establish a resource base for the school community to work from. We used a variety of sources including the internet, books, journals and magazines to compile the information.
Within our project we identified and discussed; aspects of the fluoride debate, various aspects of nutrition in which certain foods have been highlighted and their impact on teeth, how certain medications affect teeth and good dental hygiene practices.
KEY FINDINGS OF THE REPORT
Oral health and tooth decay is a complex issue that has many aspects that need to be considered.
Statistics
- Te Pahu has a similar rate of tooth decay in comparison with other New Zealand statistics.
- Fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas are similar on a national level.
- Lower socio-economic families have a higher risk of tooth decay.
- Tooth decay in children peaked during 1984-1994.
- Tooth decay has since made a slight decline and has plateaued during 1995-2002.
Dental Hygiene
- Regular tooth brushing (x2/day) and flossing (x1/day) will decrease the chance of tooth decay. Children may need assistance with this.
- Children should be assisted with brushing technique until they are approximately 6 years old.
- Rinse mouth out with water or chew sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after eating.
- Brushing your teeth well at night is very important as you produce less saliva during the night.
- Parents that have healthy dental behaviours will usually pass these on to their children.
- Not rinsing your mouth out after brushing you teeth decreases the chance of tooth decay.
- Electric toothbrushes are not necessarily better but may be easier for a child to reach all parts of their mouth.
- Manual toothbrushes are as effective as electric when used correctly
Nutrition
- Sticky sweet food in solid form is the worst for contributing to tooth decay, e.g. toffees and chewy lollies.
- People who don’t eat breakfast are at a higher risk of developing tooth decay than those that do eat breakfast.
- Sugary drinks and foods should be given in one session, instead of spreading them through out the day.
- Diet drinks still contain acid that can increase the risk of tooth decay.
- Frequency of eating is an important factor, the more often you eat the greater the risk of tooth decay.
- Regular sipping of water throughout the day helps to produce saliva, keeping your mouth moist and protecting the hard and soft oral tissues.
Fluoride
- There are both benefits and risks involved with fluoridation.
- Research shows that there is a 5% less chance of dental caries in areas that have a fluoridated water supply.
- For families that do not have fluoridated water, it is important that a suitable qualified health professional be consulted if they are unsure as to whether they should be taking fluoride supplements.
General
- Dental caries can develop at any age once the teeth have erupted.
- Increased vigilance is required for those babies that suffer reflux, those people that may be genetically predisposed to an increased risk of dental caries or where oral bacteria may be present in large amounts.
- It appears unclear as to whose role covers the educating of children with respect to dental hygiene.
RECOMMENDATIONS (from the report – developed in conjunction with Te Pahu School.)
Nutrition
- School to strongly recommend that only water be used in drink bottles while at school.
- Aim to promote a class environment where there is no snacking during class time.
- Staff to continue with their recent decision regarding the restricted use of sweets as rewards.
- Reinforce the school policy, which clearly states no sweets are to be brought to school by children.
- Encourage children to drink water, to rinse their mouth, after eating lunch/ morning tea.
- Use the nutritional section as a guide to inform parents about different foods.
- Use the nutritional section as a guide to inform parents about the importance of eating breakfast.
Fluoride
- The school develops a leaflet containing the pros and cons of fluoride, based on our findings.
- The school, PTA and/or community approach the Dental Association and District Health Board to make recommendations whether non-fluoridated water areas should use fluoride supplements / toothpastes / gels etc.
Dental Hygiene
- Make available dental hygiene information packs to parents based on the information in this report, including technique, supported by Colgate brochures.
- On an annual basis the school could incorporate an educational session on tooth brushing etc, with the children. This may coincide with the dental therapist visit to the school.
- If the Dental Therapist does not have education in their jobs profile the school and/or parents could recommend to the District Health Board that they address this to incorporate it into their role or make provision for it.
Others
- Ensure that the “Key Findings” are made available to the pre-school community.
Group/s Associated with the Research:
Te Pahu School PTA, Board of Trustees, and the school community of Te Pahu
A full copy of the report is available from:
Research Connections
W-Block cnr Nisbet & Tristram Streets or
cnr Tristram & Ward Streets
Private Bag 3036
Hamilton 2020
Telephone 07 834 8841
Fax 07 834 8884
e.mail: research@wintec.ac.nz