Spooky celebrations provide a pleasant reminder for parents and carers

With the ghoulish date of October 31, the Australian Dental and Oral Health Therapists Association (ADOHTA) has issued a pleasant reminder to parents and carers of young ones to beware of the ultimate nasty during the "trick or treating" season.

The organisation is calling on parents and carers alike to take the opportunity to highlight the importance of oral health to their young ones as sugary treats flood the streets of many Australian communities celebrating the traditionally American based holiday.

ADOHTA president Hellene Platell says that parents, carers, children and adolescents need to be aware of the oral health risks of associated with an influx of sugary treats over the Halloween period.

"Celebrating Halloween has been gaining popularity amongst Australian families over the past 10 years and whilst we all enjoy seeing our children and teenagers in fancy dress and having fun, the oral health risks associated with a high sugar intake are often overlooked."

"Whilst we are all aware that food items high in sugar can have an impact on both our teeth and our waistline, many Australian's fail to recognise the importance of a regular and complete oral health routine."

Ms Platell says some of the figures and trends regarding Australian's oral health practices are astounding.

"3 out of every 10 Australians with untreated tooth decay, if plaque isn't removed every day, it can turn the sugars found in most foods and drinks into acids that lead to decay."

"Your oral health depends on many factors, and increased intakes of sugar filled lollies and chocolates typically found in a trick or treat haul can lead to increased risk of tooth decay, particularly in children and adolescents."

Ms Platell says that Halloween can provide the perfect excuse to raise the issue of oral health routines with younger members of the family.

"As your family members take to the streets for trick or treating activities and return with bags full of sugary 'goodies' over the coming days, now could be the perfect opportunity to discuss the best approach to their oral health routine."

"ADOHTA is Australia's peak organisation representing Oral Health Practitioners (OHP) who are qualified professionals comprising of Dental Therapists and Oral Health Therapists."

"Our website, www.adohta.net.au offers several easily accessible resources which can be used by the public. These resources provide expert advice on both oral health care and dietary advice, which can inform parents and assist in discussion about oral health with their children."

Ms Platell believes that better utilisation of the OHP workforce is the key to addressing the gaps which currently exist in the oral health service delivery, particularly amongst vulnerable populations, such as families on lower incomes, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, the elderly and those who live in rural and remote settings.

"For over 10 years our organisation has been calling for the better use and recognition of the OHP workforce which could potentially have huge implications for savings at the Commonwealth, State and Territory levels."

"Like other allied health professionals in primary care, OHPs must still work in a structured relationship with a dentist. These changes have allowed primary oral health providers to move into private practice, but do not on their own allow the full benefit to the system and individuals to be realised. The standard is to be reviewed in 2017." says Ms Platell.

Ms Platell says Australia has invested in building the capacity of OHPs by advancing their training and education and since 2010, registering them nationally through the Australian Health Professionals Registration Agency.

"We believe that through changed regulation about our member's scope practice, OHPs can be supported to work in ways that make a greater contribution to improving the oral and general health of Australians, both in our cities and in rural, regional and remote areas."