Flintshire dentists launch new dental programme
Dentists in Flintshire have joined dentists across Wales in launching a new government dental health initiative called Designed to Smile.
The scheme has been launched to try and improve oral health amongst children; rates of decay are higher than in England and Northern Ireland and the Welsh Assembly is keen to promote good oral health and target children in deprived areas, where rates of decay are worryingly high.
The scheme aims to teach children about oral health and ensure that they know how to brush their teeth properly; dental support workers are spending time in schools to supervise children brushing their teeth and teach them how to look after their teeth and gums.
Dentists in Flintshire are getting involved in the project and reaching out to children and parents in the area; dentists are encouraging children who are not registered with a dentist to sign up and many are raising awareness of the importance of regular check-ups, healthy eating and good oral hygiene.
Local minister, Carl Sargeant, said that it is “vitally important” for children to be educated about oral health and taught how to look after their teeth and gums from a very early age. Oral health has been proven to be a reflection of general health and many studies have now linked poor oral health to an increased risk of serious illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes and strokes.
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