Standards of dental health much worse amongst Aboriginal population
Researchers have discovered that standards of oral health are considerably lower amongst the Aboriginal population.
The study, which was carried out by Lisa Jamieson, a researcher at the University of Adelaide, found that standards of oral health amongst young Aboriginal adults were up to eleven times worse than those amongst the rest of the Australian population.
Dr Jamieson conducted the study by comparing data from a national survey with figures from the Aboriginal community in the Northern Territory. According to the study, levels of untreated decay and gum conditions were alarmingly high and there was a widespread lack of understanding regarding the importance of good oral health.
In recent times, numerous studies have linked the bacteria which cause gum disease to a number of serious medical conditions. Untreated gum disease can contribute to an increased risk of diabetes and strokes, as well as being associated with cardiovascular disease. Currently, these serious illnesses are the most common cause of premature death amongst the Aboriginal population.
The results of the study are worrying and it seems that a lot more needs to be done to improve education and raise awareness of good oral health amongst Aboriginal communities. Most people are unaware of the dangers of poor oral health and do not realise that simply spending a few minutes each day looking after their teeth and gums could potentially make a huge difference to their life expectancy.
In order to improve standards of oral health, education needs to be better; teaching people about oral hygiene and healthy eating will hopefully encourage them to adopt good habits, which will keep their teeth and gums clean and healthy.
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