Children’s Dental Health Better Than Ever in Scotland
Recent figures have confirmed that standards of oral health among children in Scotland are higher than ever before.
Figures released by the National Dental Inspection Programme suggest that 70 percent of primary schoolchildren have no obvious signs of decay, while all Scottish NHS health boards have met their targets for the first time ever. Health boards were set a target of 60 percent of primary seven children without signs of decay.
According to the statistics 64 percent of primary one children do not have decay, representing the highest figure on record. There has been a six percent increase in the proportion of primary seven children without decay.
The report also confirmed that more people are registered with an NHS dentist than ever before, with 73 percent of adults and 86 percent of children now registered with a dentist.
Michael Matheson, public health minister, said that the figures were very encouraging and showed that investment in dental services had paid off. The ChildSmile programme has made a significant difference to young children, with 94 percent of nursery schools and 95 percent of primary schools in the poorest areas now teaching children how to brush their teeth properly and providing information and advice for children.
Mr Matheson said that it was important to maintain high standards and raise awareness of the importance of good oral hygiene, healthy eating and regular trips to the dentist.
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