Half of Swindon’s children missing out on regular dental checks, figures confirm
New figures suggest that half of Swindon’s children are missing out on regular dental checks. NHS statistics show that 47 percent of children haven’t been to the dentist in the last 12 months, despite the fact that NHS dental care is free for children and dentists recommend routine checks every 6-12 months.
The latest figures revealed that 26,245 children received dental treatment in the Swindon and Shrivenham area. This equates to 47 percent of the child population.
In response to the news, public health experts in the area have urged parents to be more oral health aware and encourage children of all ages to attend regular appointments. Dentists recommend checks every 6-12 months from the age of 12-24 months. Research suggests that going to the dentist on a regular basis can decrease the risk of decay by up to 60 percent.
Tooth decay is the leading cause of childhood hospitals admissions, with thousands of children undergoing extraction procedures under general anaesthetic in England every year.
Director of public health at Swindon Borough Council, Cherry Jones, said that it isn’t possible to “stress enough how important it is to have a healthy mouth.” Children who have dental issues are likely to experience unpleasant symptoms like toothache, but they may also suffer from a lack of confidence and if they need dental treatment, this can impact their ability to eat properly and concentrate in lessons.
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