Early intervention to reduce tooth decay in Indigenous Aussie kids works best

An intervention that aimed to reduce tooth decay among South Australian Aboriginal children has been a success, according to a follow-up study by Aussie, New Zealand and Canadian researchers, and intervention works best if delivered between pregnancy and age two. Intervention involved dental treatment for mothers, fluoride varnish for the kids, and motivational interviewing and guidance. Kids who received the intervention between the ages of two and three had more tooth decay than those treated earlier, the study found, suggesting intervening earlier is more effective.