Fluoride Varnish Scheme Launched to Tackle Decay in Plymouth
A scheme to provide preventative fluoride varnish treatments for thousands of schoolchildren has been launched in deprived areas of Plymouth.
The scheme will initially be rolled out in the poorest areas of the city and 17 primary schools are currently participating, with seven more joining the programme in September.
The varnish treatment process is very simple and completely painless, but it can make a huge difference, helping to strengthen the teeth and protect them against decay, thus reducing the risk of cavities. The varnish, which is fruit flavoured, is applied to the surfaces of the teeth and gently painted across them.
NHS dental nurses will be visiting the participating schools to provide the treatment and they will also take time to talk to children about oral hygiene and issues related to oral health.
The varnish scheme was launched following the release of a report, which showed considerable differences in the standard of oral health between different areas of the city.
Vanessa Day, Plymouth Community oral healthcare manager, said that the scheme was really taking off and as well as providing children with the preventative varnish treatment, nurses were making the most of the opportunity to teach children what they can do to help keep their teeth and gums healthy.
Donna Easterbrook, a dental nurse, said that the schools had been brilliant and the scheme has proved to be very popular. Initially, 24 schools were offered the treatment programme and 17 accepted immediately, with the remainder joining in September
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