Weston-Super-Mare Dentists Share Concerns for Children’s Dental Health

Sample News Big

A dental duo from Weston-super-Mare has shared concerns for children’s dental health after a survey produced some alarming statistics.

The study, by children’s charity Action for Children, revealed that a fifth of children in the region have poor oral hygiene. The survey also showed that almost 20 percent of children only brushed once a day and 13 percent of parents admitted that they don’t always supervise their children brushing their teeth.

Dentist Gloria Mabasa said she wasn’t surprised by the findings. She regularly sees young children who require hospital treatment for dental decay and is worried that it’s becoming the norm for children to need extraction under general anaesthetic. Mrs Mabasa, from Dental Spa 25, said there has been a noticeable increase in rates of decay among young children and part of the problem is that parents aren’t taking the time to make sure their children brush properly.

Mr Ronald Mabasa, who is also a dentist at the practice, blames a sugary diet. Many children are rewarded with sweet treats on a regular basis and he said he often sees children wandering around the town holding bags of sweet and drinking fizzy drinks. Mr Mabasa supports plans to introduce a sugar tax and believes that parents should do more to make sure their children see a dentist on a regular basis.

NHS treatment is free of charge for children, yet so many go for long periods of time without having a check-up. Mr Mabasa also believes there needs to be a change of attitude as he feels it’s not right that children under 8 are going to hospital in need of extraction under general anaesthetic. He finds it worrying that some people think this is a normal course of action.

Join this Discussion

Comments are closed.