Lincolnshire Dentists to Visit Schools to Try and Reduce Decay Rates
Dentists from practices across Lincolnshire have signed up to a scheme to visit schoolchildren in a bid to stem soaring rates of decay.
Dentists are working with Lincolnshire Community Health and teachers across the county to try and reduce the number of children affected by dental decay. The move comes after it was revealed that more than 300 children had to have teeth extracted under general anaesthetic in the county last year.
Dentists from more than twenty surgeries have agreed to part of the programme. They will visit schools to talk to kids about the importance of good oral hygiene and educate them about brushing their teeth and eating a healthy diet. One of the main contributing factors to high rates of decay among children is sugar consumption. The dental teams will be discussing sugar content of popular foods with children and hopefully, encouraging them to swap their usual treats for healthier alternatives.
Emma Fletcher, senior specialist dental nurse, said that the statistics are “very shocking”. Treatment under general anaesthetic carries risks and decay is preventable. Sadly, many children are not brushing their teeth properly and many have a diet high in sugar. Parents are being encouraged to supervise brushing and keep an eye on their children’s sugar intake.
Gina Hargrave, from Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust, said that the scheme is a great way to get children thinking about oral health and to form relationships between dental professionals and members of the local community.
Headteacher of St Peter at Gowts Primary School, Charlotte Hickerton, said that the programme is an excellent idea, which teaching staff believe will make a really positive difference to local children.
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