Pediactric Dentistry on the Tundra

The following information is from an article out of the Pediatic Dentistry Today magazine. It is a continuation from a previous blog reguarding the importance of health and diet in New Zealand. This article focuses on children in Alaska. Prior to the mid 20th Century, Alaskan Natives had very low rates of dental decay due to the high protein diet and low fermentable carbohydrates. However, since the mid 20th century, more refined sugar and carbohydrates have been introduced into the communities. The following issues have contributed to high levels of untreated dental caries: dietary changes, lack of access to fluoridated public water, and limited access to dental providers. In these two instances, with Alaska & New Zealand, money is not the most important issue with children's dental health needs. In New Zealand, they had proper funding for children to have dental expenses taken care of. In Alaska, they have formed a health plan to specifically support prevention in order to improve the oral health of all Alaskans. The main issue is proper education, diet, and prevention precautions. Incorporating healthier drink and snack choices plays a large role in prevention. If schools and parents could adopt policies and restrictions of sodas and sugared beverages and foods, this would help children diminish dental issues. Healthy lifestyle choices is a large portion of what it takes to keep healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime.


PDT March 2011 Volume XLVII, Number 2