Tooth decay among children and adolescents is on the rise.
According to the Government clinic, children on the Island still experience less decay than similar age groups elsewhere however the incidence is increasing.
Last year just over eight percent of the population was served by the dental department at the Victoria Street Clinic.
Tooth decay among children and adolescents is on the rise.
According to the Government clinic, children on the Island still experience less decay than similar age groups elsewhere however the incidence is increasing.
Last year just over eight percent of the population was served by the dental department at the Victoria Street Clinic.
Celia Nzabalinda is head of the dental office there. In 2009 she and her staff saw over 4,978 patients – seniors, prisoners, children and the physically and mentally challenged. “Additionally we provided screening to 1,800 children in schools as well as additional screening for adults at health fairs and other events,” she said. “We also provided the fluoride programme for 91.57 percent of the targetted population, which comprises children from six months to the end of P6 [11 years old],” she added.
Department statistics show that as a whole, Bermuda children have less tooth decay than most in the world. But Dr. Nzabalinda warned that she is seeing some changes in this long-held trend.
“The overall decay level among these groups [children and adolescents] is low when compared with other groups internationally. However there is some increase in the [15-year-old] S2 age group even though the levels are below international averages,” she said.
“This same increase has been seen in other populations where adolescents have access to sweetened beverages in vending machines while in school. It is anticipated that the School Nutrition Policy and other health education initiatives will have a significant effect on this group.”
Additionally, Dr. Nzabalinda said there’s been a significant increase in the numbers of very young children on the Island with tooth decay. She said early exposure to refined sugars has proven to be the reason in most cases.
“The most frequent cause of this condition is falling sleep with a bottle of juice or milk, or frequent exposure to beverages during the day through a bottle or sippy cup. Even watered down juice can cause this condition,” she said.”Children also experience decay from other causes. However, those cases are generally less severe,” she added.
Both preventive and curative dental services are offered by the Government clinic and dental issues seen tend to vary according to age.
According to Dr. Nzabalinda, in the child and adolescent population the greatest dental need is preventive, that is sealants and preventive resins as well as oral health education.
She said the department has addressed the problems in its preventive programmes such as Fluoride Screen & Seal and oral health education.
She said adults coming to the clinic tend to suffer with gum disease, which results in tooth loss and tooth decay.
“For the adult groups, which include seniors, special patients and prisoners, we provide curative services and spend significant time teaching and supporting preventive practices which allow these individuals to maintain good oral health,” she said. But she noted that the degree to which this is necessary depends on the needs of the individual.
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