Perth County – The Health Unit has released its most recent Health Status Report, looking at the oral health status of school-aged children in Perth County. The purpose of the report is to:
examine oral health trends in junior kindergarten (JK), senior kindergarten, and Grade 2 students in Perth County
identify needs that will assist in developing local programs and services.
Some key findings from the report include:
1 in 4 children begins JK in Perth County with tooth decay experience
By Grade 2, about half of children have experienced tooth decay
Tooth decay is more prevalent and severe as grade level increases
Rates of “urgent” dental issues discovered at school screenings have not changed over time.
“Our focus needs to be on prevention and earlier detection of tooth decay in young children,” says Anna Read, Dental Hygienist at the Perth District Health Unit.
Recommendations and next steps identified in this report include:
Provide programs and services aimed at toddlers and pre-school aged children to prevent and detect dental issues early on
Continue the dental screening and fluoride varnish program in Perth County daycare centres
Work with primary care providers around early identification and prevention of dental decay in children
– See more at: http://www.pdhu.on.ca/new-report-shows-half-of-grade-2-children-in-perth-county-have-tooth-decay/#sthash.pu7MBxvo.dpuf