VCH study: almost 20% of Richmond children have tooth decay
A recent VCH study found that almost 20% of children in Richmond have visible tooth decay. Manager of Community and Family Health in Richmond, Chris Salgado ran focus groups and interviewed several local health care providers and found that parents are hearing conflicting information from VCH providers on proper dental care.
Salgado says, “It seems some parents are confused on several points including when, and how often their children should brush their teeth”.
Salgado ran the focus groups in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English. She says some of the disconnect surrounding dental hygiene also stems from language barriers. “Many speak English as a second language, so we have to make sure our message is clear and simple, so that everyone can understand,” says Salgado.
Salgado says she’s hopeful that with the proper knowledge teeth decay rates in children can go down by next year.
Salgado has 3 basic rules to follow when it comes to childhood dental hygiene. Please spread the word to your patients/clients:
- Parents should help pre-schoolers brush their teeth
- Parents should avoid giving children sugary drinks
- Children need fluoridated toothpaste because water in Metro Vancouver is not fluoridated
For more info about child dental health visit the BC government Richmond Early Years Centre’s website: Richmond Kids.ca