State-level differences in the oral health of Australian preschool and early primary school-age children

Abstract

Background: This study compares oral health outcomes and behaviours for young Australian children by residential state or territory to determine whether state differences arise from individual exposures to risk factors. Methods: Cross-sectional data for 4606 2-3 year olds and 4464 6-7 year olds were obtained from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Outcome measures were parent-reports of children's caries experience, frequency of toothbrushing and dental services use. Results: For 2-3 year olds, children from the Australian Capital Territory were less likely to have parent-reported caries than children from other states, and more likely to brush their teeth twice daily and to have..