Figures Show Decay is Main Cause of Child Hospital Admissions

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Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Somerset County Council  are supporting a national oral health initiative in a bid to tackle high rates of dental decay among youngsters. National Smile Month kicks off this week and will run until the 18th June.

Recent figures have shown that dental decay is the most common cause of hospital admissions in children aged under 16 in Somerset. In light of the worrying statistics, dentists, health organisations and educational bodies are eager to lend their support to the campaign, which is organised by the British Dental Health Foundation.

The aim of the programme, which runs for a month in the spring/summer each year, is to raise awareness of the importance of good oral health. Dentists across the county will be offering oral health services and advice and authorities will be organising events to encourage people to take good care of their teeth and gums and adopt healthy oral habits.

Studies show that thousands of young children are hospitalised each year in the UK due to dental problems, most of which are avoidable. Dentists are worried that parents are failing to encourage good habits in children, which could help to prevent diseases including decay. They are eager to reach out to parents and kids to help improve education and awareness of the importance of good oral health.

The campaign will be promoting a number of healthy habits, including brushing twice a day, seeing a dentist every six months and taking care to avoid consuming too much sugar.

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