Simple treatments reduce tooth decay in remote Indigenous children

“The children who had the intervention had much fewer instances of new severe tooth decay compared to the children who didn’t get the intervention,” he said.

That was especially important, he said, because bad dental health could have a negative effect on overall health, including increasing the risk of chronic disease such as heart disease.

Dr Lalloo said the research was particularly gratifying because they were able to make an immediate difference in the lives of children.

“Normally in research you don’t treat existing disease, but in our case we were given funds to employ a clinical team, and the children who took part all benefited from having their tooth decay treated,” he said.

Emeritus Professor Newell Johnson from…