Welsh health board launches new children’s dental initiative as figures confirm decay is the leading cause of hospitalisation
A Welsh health board has launched a new children’s dental initiative as figures confirm decay is the leading cause of hospitalisation among children in the region. Representatives from Cwm Taf University Health Board are hoping that the Baby Teeth Do Matter campaign will lead to a reduction in the number of children requiring hospital treatment.
The move comes as figures confirmed that decay is the most common reason children go into hospital. Statistics also revealed that rates of decay among 5 year olds are highest in Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr.
The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of the importance of early intervention when it comes to oral health. Many parents assume that they don’t need to encourage good habits until their children develop their adult teeth, but losing baby teeth early can increase the risk of complications later on and neglecting oral hygiene can put children at risk of infections, toothache and cavities.
Although tooth decay is the leading cause of hospital admissions, there have been major improvements in standards of oral health in Wales. Rates of decay have decreased by 12 percent since 2008.
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