Dental decay is a serious health problem for Indigenous children in remote communities. A recent study conducted by Menzies School of Health Research has found that fluoride varnish and health promotion in remote communities can prevent new cavities in young children.

Currently, Indigenous children experience disproportionately high rates of dental disease and differences are particularly pronounced in preschool-aged children and children living in remote areas.

The three-year study followed 543 children aged 18 months to 3 years old from 30 remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory; 15 of these communities were used as a control group to monitor outcomes.

For the remaining communities, the study personnel visited approximately every six months to: apply fluoride varnish to children’s teeth; provide advice to parents and family groups about preventing dental caries including information about what causes dental decay, advice about drinking water, limiting sugar exposure, and information about brushing teeth; and provide parents, store owners, community leaders and health care workers with information about oral health and preventing dental decay in their whole community.

Media release