Huge increase in fluoride varnish treatments for children
Figures from the NHS Information Centre show an increase of 55 percent in the number of fluoride varnish treatments on young people from 2010 to 2011. Figures also suggest an increase of 22 percent for adult fluoride treatments.
Fluoride varnish is used to protect and strengthen the teeth and dentists are using it on an increasingly frequent basis as a means of reducing the risk of tooth decay. Fluoride varnish is supported by the Department of Health and its use is less controversial than adding fluoride to communal water supplies.
Managers of NHS trusts across the UK are encouraging dentists to use fluoride varnish as a preventative measure; in the short-term, the programme may cost a lot of money but the long-term savings could potentially be massive.
The procedure involves painting fluoride gel over the teeth; the gel then hardens and the teeth receive additional protection. Varnish treatments should be repeated every six months.
The report released by the NHS Information Centre also showed that the number of females working in dentistry has increased from 6.8 percent to 43.5 percent; over half of young dentists are women.
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