Concerning figures for oral health amongst poorest children in Scotland
A recent survey has revealed that poor children are up to twice as likely to suffer from dental health problems as children from wealthy homes.
The report, which was compiled in association with NHS Tayside and Dundee, showed that oral health has generally improved amongst children in Scotland; however, the poorest children are still suffering from oral health problems and there is a large gap between children from underprivileged backgrounds.
The report found that the proportion of five year old children without decay was at an all time high; figures showed a national average of 64 percent; however, this figure fell significantly in the poorest 10 percent of children to just 45 percent. In stark contrast to poorer children, the proportion of children from the most affluent backgrounds was 81 percent.
The report was based on research conducted in Tayside and Fife; around 12,700 children were involved in the study.
The authors of the report concluded that overall the standards of oral health had improved amongst children in Scotland; however, there was a worrying gap between children from affluent backgrounds and those from poorer backgrounds. Graham Ball, chairman of the Scottish dental epidemiology co-ordinating committee, said that the results of the report were very encouraging, as figures were consistently improving year on year.
Public Health Minister, Shona Robinson has announced that the Childsmile programme will expand to every health board in Scotland in the new year; the programme helps to improve access to dental services, provides preventative treatments and provides education about oral health for children. It has so far enjoyed great success in parts of Scotland.
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