Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Perth District Health Unit
New Report Shows Seniors and Adults Living in Low Income Struggle to Access Dental Care
The Health Unit has produced two new reports that look at the oral health status of residents in Perth County: Oral Health in Perth County and Oral Health Status and Water Fluoride Levels in Perth County.
Oral Health in Perth County
The Oral Health in Perth County report looked at the oral health care and dental disease trends in Perth County residents aged 12 years and over, over a 10-year period.
Some key findings from the report include:
- People in Perth County brush their teeth less regularly than Ontarians
- Males in Perth County are less likely to visit the dentist than Ontario males
- Perth County's seniors, low income earners, and people with less than a high school education struggle to access dental care and have higher rates of dental disease.
Currently, the Ontario Public Health Standards require that the Health Unit provides dental health services for children but not adults. "Given these results, the Health Unit will look at ways to address the inequities in access to dental care services for Perth County adults," says Jacqui Tam, Public Health Manager.
Oral Health Status and Water Fluoride Levels in Perth County
The Oral Health Status and Water Fluoride Levels in Perth County report looked at the fluoride levels in drinking water and their effect on the dental status of Grade 2 students.
Some key findings from the report include:
- Higher fluoride levels in drinking water resulted in fewer cavities among students
- The severity of cavities was lower in schools that had higher fluoride concentrations in drinking water.
In Perth County, naturally occurring fluoride is present in drinking water and the concentration varies across the region. The fluoride levels present in Perth County drinking water are considered acceptable. At higher levels, there is a risk of dental fluorosis in children, which is usually mild and cosmetic in nature. Says Tam: "The Health Unit will continue to provide advice to residents and parents on young children about when to use area tap water for drinking and cooking."
The reports are available to view and download at: www.pdhu.on.ca - under "Reports". To request printed copies, call Health Line at 519-271-7600 ext 267 or toll-free at 1-877-271-7348 ext 267.
For more information:
- Call Health Line at 519-271-7600 ext 267 or toll-free at 1-877-271-7348 ext 267
- Visit www.pdhu.on.ca
- Follow on Twitter and Facebook @pdhealthunit
Media Contact:
Rebecca Hill
Communications Manager
519-271-7600 ext 279
rhill@pdhu.on.ca
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