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Trends in caries experience and associated contextual factors among indigenous children
Author(s) -
Ha Diep Hong,
Lalloo Ratilal,
Jamieson Lisa M.,
Giang Do Loc
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of public health dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1752-7325
pISSN - 0022-4006
DOI - 10.1111/jphd.12134
Subject(s) - socioeconomic status , indigenous , oral health , permanent dentition , water fluoridation , environmental health , medicine , dentistry , demography , permanent teeth , geography , dentition , population , sociology , inorganic chemistry , chemistry , fluoride , biology , ecology
Objective To assess dental caries trends in indigenous children in South Australia, 2001‐2010; and contribution by area‐level socioeconomic status (SES), remoteness and water fluoridation status. Methods This study is a part of the Child Dental Health Survey (CDHS) is an ongoing national surveillance survey in Australia including children enrolled in the School Dental Services (SDS). Postcode‐level adjusted mean deciduous and permanent caries experience was estimated at each year. Time trend of dental caries experience was estimated using mixed effect models. Area‐level socioeconomic status, remoteness, water fluoridation status were independent variables in the models. Results There was a significant upward trend of dental caries experience over the 10 years. Dental caries experience of indigenous children living in low SES areas had nearly one more deciduous tooth and a half permanent tooth with caries than indigenous children living in higher SES areas. The remote postcodes showed higher levels of decay in deciduous dentition (+1.25 teeth) compared with others regions. Conclusions The dental caries trend increased in South Australian indigenous children over the study period, and was associated with area‐level SES and remoteness. Implication The increasing trend in dental caries in indigenous children is important evidence to inform policies to improve oral health.