Improving children’s oral health in populations at risk saskatchewan ministry of health

POPULATION HEALTH BRANCH

Saskatchewan Ministry of Health


Improving Children’s Oral Health in Populations at Risk

Saskatoon Oral Health CoalitionNovember 3, 2010


Building a Healthier Saskatchewan

Sooner, Safer, Smarter: A Plan to Transform the Surgical Patient Experience

4 year plan is based on 5 objectives:



Objectives:• Shorter waits for surgical care• A better experience for patients and

families• Safe, high quality care• Support for good health• Patient centred providers.



Support for Good Health

• Tobacco Strategy• Healthy Weights • Injury Prevention• Oral Health Initiative for Populations at

Risk.


BUILDING A HEALTHIER SASKATCHEWAN

• Oral health is increasingly recognized as an important component in overall health and wellbeing.

•• Yet Early Childhood Tooth Decay remains the Yet Early Childhood Tooth Decay remains the #1 chronic childhood disease in Canada.#1 chronic childhood disease in Canada.


BUILDING A HEALTHIER SASKATCHEWAN

•• Each year approximately 1,800 children Each year approximately 1,800 children under the age of five undergo dental under the age of five undergo dental surgery under general anaesthetic surgery under general anaesthetic –– more frequently than any other cause.more frequently than any other cause.

•• Hundreds more are placed on long Hundreds more are placed on long waiting lists for as long as 12waiting lists for as long as 12--18 months.18 months.

•• 43% of all paediatric surgeries under GA 43% of all paediatric surgeries under GA for children under 6, were dentally related for children under 6, were dentally related



• PHB focus will be on upstream interventions related to improving oral health through prevention and education.

• Involves exploring opportunities for collaboration with various partners who share our interest in reducing dental decay in young children.



• While great strides have been made in reducing the high prevalence of dental disease certain segments of the population are left behind – primarily people with low socioeconomic status, Aboriginal Populations, recent immigrants and vulnerable populations.



Canadian Oral Health Strategy Guidelines for 2010 • By age 6, 50% of children have never

experienced tooth decay and no more than 20% have unmet dental needs.

• In Saskatchewan 41% have never experienced tooth decay and 27% have unmet dental needs.



Goal:To reduce dental decay and contribute to the healthy development of at risk mothers, infants and preschool age children.



• Project Charter completed• Consultations underway• Researching Best Practice Guidelines and

resources from other provinces etc.



Consultations and opportunities for collaboration planned with:

• Health Canada – COHI Programs• Regional Health Authorities – Dental Health

Educators and other public health staff• Dental community – dentists, dental therapists,

dental hygienists, dental assistants. • NITHA, FNIH



Focus will be on preventing dental disease through:

• early screening and referral of disadvantaged moms and children.

• Enhanced preventive services.



Early Childhood Tooth Decay (ECTD)• Caused by a bacterial infection• About 27% of children by age 6 have unmet

dental treatment needs in Saskatchewan• About 10-15% have ECTD; particularly

prevalent in at risk populations.


Why Are Children’s First Teeth So Important ?

• Eating• Speaking• Smiling• Positioning of

permanent teeth• Self-Esteem• Improved overall

health



• Major causes of ECTD– Poor oral hygiene habits– Putting your baby to bed with a bottle and

staying on the bottle past age one– Drinking from a bottle or training cup all day– Snacking too often on sweet foods and drinks– Lack of access to dental care and prevention.


Early Childhood Tooth Decay ECTD

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• Impact on health– Pain and infection– Failure to thrive– Poor nutrition– Affects speech, ability to concentrate, sleep– Self esteem and willingness to smile– Spacing and alignment of permanent teeth– Leads to poor oral health as an adult.



• Extensive dental treatment on very young children can be challenging for dental practitioners.

• Often treatment involves a trip to the hospital for general anaesthetic

POPULATION HEALTH BRANCH22

General Anaesthetics

in Saskatchewan



Treatment of Choice



• The good news is …..

Tooth decay is preventable

Working with parents and children at a young age can help create a lifetime of healthy teeth



Preventive Services could include:

• Screening & risk assessment (prenatal and ages 0-2)

• Education and counselling • Fluoride Varnish treatments• Support related to access to care• Promotion of community water fluoridation



Potential Resource Needs• Fluoride varnish supplies• Train the trainer resources• Education resources• Prevention & Promotion resource

development


Start brushing early ….

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“Lift the Lip”


Brushing can be fun or a challenge!

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Fluoride Varnish Application

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Making Healthy Eating Choices Easier

• Food choices are influenced by knowledge, tradition & social circumstances, availability and cost.


Eating Nutritional Foods can be Fun!

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TEAMWORK

Teamwork


Developing Happy / Healthy Children

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Happy Children Make Happy Parents!

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The Balance of

Good Health

Healthy Body

Healthy Mouth



One smile at a time.

POPULATION HEALTH BRANCH38


Building a Healthier Saskatchean

Questions?

Improving children’s oral health in populations at risk saskatchewan ministry of health

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