Australia

RESEARCH QUESTION

• If Aboriginally run hygiene/health practices can be established in native communities, then Aboriginal hygiene related issues, should begin to improve.

Hygiene Developments

Hygiene Developments

• Dental caries and periodontal diseases were very uncommon in the rural communities until the later twentieth century

HYGIENE DEVELOPMENTS

• "Junk" foods became accessible by the Aboriginals -- no access to preventive measures

HYGIENE DEVELOPMENTS

• When junk foods became accessible to the Aboriginals, dental carries became an indicator of poverty
• Preventive messudes included fluoridated water and toothpaste, access to dental care

HYGIENE DEVELOPMENTS

• In 2009, The West Australian Government began participating in the National Hand Hygiene Initiative (NHHI)

Use of Toothpaste

• The use of dentrifices (toothpaste's predecessor) dates back more than 2000 years
• The use of toothpaste was brought to Australia from England

chemistry aspect

Chemistry Connection

• Fluoride was added to toothpaste around 1914
• Fluoride reduces the ability of bacteria in plaque to generate tooth-weakening acids
• The fluoride ion is what does this, the chemical compound it's part of does not matter, as long as the ion is present