Health

Only 57 percent of New Zealand children reach age 5 without tooth decay

A new report finds that fewer than three in five Kiwi children avoid tooth decay by age five, with parents underestimating the problem.

Skinny McBuntu

Only 57 percent of New Zealand children reach age five without experiencing tooth decay, according to a new report. Parents are significantly more optimistic about their children's dental health than the reality warrants. The gap between parental perception and actual outcomes is having serious consequences for children's oral health.

Covered byRNZ1NewsNot covered byStuffNZ HeraldNewstalk ZBOtago Daily TimesNewsroomThe SpinoffBusinessDeskinterest.co.nz

Coverage across the news outlets we track, as at publication.

What outlets are saying

RNZ

Only 57 percent of Kiwi children reach age 5 without tooth decay

Parents are far too optimistic about how well their kids are looking after their teeth, and it is having serious consequences, according to a new report.

Read the full story at RNZ

1News

Only 57% of Kiwi children reach age 5 without tooth decay

Parents are far too optimistic about how well their kids are looking after their teeth, and it is having serious consequences, according to a new report.

Read the full story at 1News