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Oral health and risk factors for dental disease of A ustralian young people in custody
Author(s) -
Haysom Leigh,
Indig Devon,
Byun Roy,
Moore Elizabeth,
Dolder Paul
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of paediatrics and child health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.631
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1440-1754
pISSN - 1034-4810
DOI - 10.1111/jpc.12761
Subject(s) - medicine , oral health , residence , dental decay , dental health , disease , dentistry , environmental health , oral examination , oral and maxillofacial pathology , family medicine , demography , gerontology , sociology
Aim To describe the prevalence and risk factors for markers of poor oral health in A boriginal and non‐ A boriginal young people in custody in A ustralia. Methods All incarcerated youth, aged 13–21 years, in N ew S outh W ales J uvenile C ustodial C entres between A ugust and O ctober 2009 were invited to participate and undertake a dental exam. The main outcome measures were an assessment of moderate/abundant plaque, periodontal disease, dental caries experience, mean decayed and/or filled and/or missing teeth ( DMFT ) index and untreated decay. Results Two hundred ninety‐four participants (91% male, 46% A boriginal) underwent a dental exam. Markers of poor oral health were common – 49.4% with moderate/abundant plaque, 34.4% with periodontal disease, mean DMFT 3.56 and 54% having untreated decay. Risk factors independently associated with poor oral health were geographical remoteness and non‐fluoridation of the water supply of the usual residence, a shorter incarceration time and dental treatment outside of custody. Conclusions Young people entering custody have poor oral health, with those from geographically remote areas without water fluoridation at highest risk. The incarceration period is an opportunity for oral health improvements in these young people through access to dental treatment services. Better triaging systems are needed to identify those of greatest priority, and prevention services are needed.