MOH (2008) statistics highlight the impact of social and political factors
on children's health outcomes. Children from areas where fluoridated
water is not provided have significantly more decayed, missing and filled
teeth than those from fluoridated areas. Maori and Pacific Island groups
also have a greater percentage of caries than European New Zealanders.
15WHITIREIA NURSING JOURNAL, ISSUE l8 , 2OI I
The statistics also reveal that in some low-decile areas only 35 per cent of
children are caries-free. The MOH (2006) has identified these inequalities
as 'unacceptable' (p. 10), particularly considering the link between childhood
caries and poorer adult oral health and other diseases (including diabetes,
cancer and cardiovascular disease)