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Tooth decay is one of the most prevalent global health problems and the second most costly diet related disease. It occurs when acid demineralisation exceeds saliva and fluoride remineralisation and effects more than 12 million Australians each year. Over a lifetime in excess of 70% of adult teeth will suffer from decay. It is our second most costly food related disease carrying an economic impact comparable to that of heart disease and diabetes. In the 2011-12 period approximately $8.3 billion was spent on dental services, representing 6% of total health expenditure. In 2013-14 there were 63,910 preventable dental hospitalisations of children under the age of 9, while in 2014-15 dental expenditure via the Child Dental Benefits Scheme was $20.5 million for extractions and over $96 million for fillings. These procedures could have be prevented with better dental care.
SuperToothNDK's aims include:-
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The development of a natioanal database (My Health Record) to map the incidence of (D)ecayed,(M)issing and (F)illed (T)eeth
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to continue to analyse teeth using the Australian synchrotron [The Tooth Fairy Project]
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to develop oral health teaching methods in order to influence school STEM curriculum
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to continue the research into better methods of decay prevention