Irish Dentists Urge Parents to Bring Children for Early Check-ups

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Irish dentists are urging parents to bring their children for regular check-ups from the age of twelve months, despite the fact that public screening does not commence until the age of seven.

According to statistics, over half of five year olds suffer from tooth decay; however, the public dental screening programme does not come into play until the age of seven.

Many parents do not take their children to the dentist until they start school, but dentists believe that check-ups should be a regular part of the dental care routine from the age of twelve months old. Children who visit the dentist at an early age are more likely to enjoy good oral health and introducing children at a young age also helps to reduce the risk of dental anxiety, as children are able to build a positive relationship with their dentist and they get used to the sights and sounds of the dental surgery.

Dr Andrew Bolas, the incoming president of the Irish Dental Association, said that the Health Service Executive is denying children access to special needs care and acceptable levels of dental care.

 

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