Birkenhead MP calls for immediate action to tackle tooth decay crisis
Frank Field, the local MP for Birkenhead, has urged the government to take introduce measures to stem a tooth decay crisis in his constituency.
The most recent figures suggest that children living in and around Birkenhead have a much higher risk of developing dental decay than children living in more affluent areas. Mr Field believes that urgent action should be taken to reduce the number of children being admitted to hospital for extraction under general anaesthetic and to iron out inequalities between wealthy and poorer areas of the country.
In the Wirral alone last year more than 200 children were advised to undergo treatment in hospital for dental treatment. A poll by You Gov also showed that 25 per cent of children living in the immediate area did not see a dentist in the 24-month period leading up to the end of March 2016. This is despite advice from dentists, which recommends 6-monthly check-ups.
In response to the figures, Mr Field has leant his support to a campaign launched by the British Dental Association to urge the government to implement a contract, which focuses on preventative dental health. The campaign is also aiming to reduce rates of childhood decay, and improve oral health education.
Mr Field has addressed Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary, inquiring how he proposes to improve standards of dental health among children in less affluent areas. He said that it is not acceptable that children from poorer areas have a significantly higher risk of suffering from dental decay than children living in wealthier areas.
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