Written answers

Wednesday, 1 November 2006

Department of Health and Children

Health Services

6:00 am

Photo of Kathleen LynchKathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 172: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on reports that three in four children here have decayed permanent teeth by the time they are 15 years old and that half of all five year olds have rotten teeth; the measures she is putting in place to address same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35479/06]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Despite the substantial decline in the prevalence and severity of dental cavities in Ireland since 1964, this largely preventable disease is still common. Fluoridation of community drinking water is a major factor responsible for the decline in dental caries. 71% of the Irish population live in areas with fluoridated water supplies.

In Ireland, according to the preliminary National Children's Survey (2002) report, over 2/3rds (69.5%) of 5 year olds with fluoridated water had no decay in their teeth, and 52.5% of 5 years olds without water fluoridation have no dental decay.

According to the same report, one third of 15 year olds in fluoridated water areas are free of dental decay and approximately one quarter (26%) of those living in non-fluoridated water areas have no dental decay in their permanent dentition.

Dental decay is an infectious disease that affects most people in developed countries. There are many factors involved in the development of dental decay, the main factors being a susceptible tooth, sugar and bacteria in dental plaque. Data from the 'Health Behaviour of Children in School' report found that of all the countries surveyed the percentage of students who reported eating sweets or chocolate every day was consistently higher in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Ireland (71-80%). The consumption of soft drinks has increased considerably in recent years.

The Health Service Executive is responsible for planning oral health care. Since 2000, all children under the age of 16 years who attended state primary schools have access to free dental care through the public dental service. Children aged 7, 9 and 12 are targeted for screening and for application of preventive measures, oral health education, fluoride mouth rinsing in non-fluoridated areas and fissure sealing of vulnerable permanent molar teeth.

A number of initiatives have been undertaken to address oral health promotion recently:

Winning Smiles is a school based oral health programme. Launched by the Taoiseach it is a north/south initiative involving Queens University Belfast, the Oral Health Research Centre and Dental Health Foundation. This schools programme provides toothpaste and toothbrushes to introduce tooth brushing programmes into schools.

Smart Start is a cross-border initiative emphasising nutrition, physical activity and oral health for very young children. Trainers have been trained to visit pre-school teachers to teach the implementation of best practice in areas of good oral health, diet and nutrition.

The National Guidelines Development Group, which is funded by the Health Research Board, is working in a multi-disciplinary way and is also involving parents to develop best practice guidelines regarding school screening and oral health in high risk children.

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