Statistical evidence that excess sugar is destroying our children’s teeth is shocking. Tooth decay is 95% preventable.
“Tooth decay is the number one reason for child hospital admissions” Mick Armstrong, chairman of the BDA
This should not be the case.
What is the government doing to fight tooth decay?
- The NHS allows children and young people under 18 years of age to have free dental treatment. Funding preventive treatment makes more sense than funding hospital extractions. Ensuring children visit the dentist is vital.
- In Scotland and Wales, the campaigns Childsmile and Designed to Smile have been successful, raising the standard of child oral health.
- In England, the Starting Well campaign, although restricted to high-priority areas, and Dental Check by One will raise awareness.
- Since 1964, Birmingham has championed fluoridated water. A comparison with dental health in Manchester (where the water is not fluoridated) suggests that it helps build stronger teeth. Adding fluoride to water, however, is not without controversy. Only some regions in the UK have either naturally or artificially fluoridated water.
- New parents receive an updated ‘red book’, the Personal Child Health Record, that stresses the need for early dental attendance and good oral hygiene.
- From April 2018, drinks with a sugar content higher than five grams per 100 millilitres will pay more tax. Revenue will be invested in school sports and health.
- Public Health England aims for a 20% reduction of sugar in key foods consumed by under eighteens by 2020.
What can we do at home to fight tooth decay?
- make sure the whole family (even babies) visit the dentist regularly
- brush teeth at least twice a day, with an appropriate fluoride toothpaste
- limit sweets, snacks and fizzy drinks, especially between meals
- drink water or plain milk
- chat about diet, health and exercise
- try to avoid ‘ready’ foods
- consider fluoride treatments
Related reading:
- more about sugar
- the packed lunch challenge
- Not so sweet facts about sugar
- external link: read the House of Lords short debate on children’s dental health – 18th January 2018
- external link: article published by the BBC in January 2018