Concerns Over Preventative Treatment For Scottish Children
There are concerns over children’s dental care in parts of Scotland, as figures have revealed that health boards are falling short of their targets for the provision of preventative dental treatment.
The latest figures show that some boards, including NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, are falling short of targets, which are aimed to improve standards of oral health among children. The guidelines for the Childsmile programme state that at least 60 per cent of 3 and 4 year olds in Scotland should receive at least two fluoride varnish treatments; however, figures show that in Glasgow the uptake rate was between 35 and 40 per cent in deprived areas, with just 8 per cent of children receiving treatment in the most affluent areas.
Dental decay has been confirmed as the leading cause of hospital admissions among children and experts are worried that the low uptake in preventative treatments will increase the number of admissions in the future. Fluoride varnish helps to strengthen and protect the teeth by hardening the enamel; the treatment only takes a few minutes, there is no pain involved and it is free of charge on the NHS.
A representative from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said that the board would continue to try and encourage dentists to get involved in the Childsmile programme and promote preventative oral treatments. The board is currently offering treatment to children who are deemed ‘at risk’.
A spokeswoman for the board said that it is well-documented that the risk of oral health problems is higher is areas of deprivation and the programme is targeting children in these communities.
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow has urged authorities to consider adding fluoride to the city’s water supplies in a bid to reduce rates of decay.
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