NHS vows to increase the uptake of dental appointments for children
The NHS has vowed to work with dental professionals, educators and parents to increase the uptake of dental appointments for children.
Figures from NHS Digital revealed that in some areas of the country, almost half of children didn’t visit the dentist last year, despite dental experts recommending six-monthly check-ups. In Warrington, more than 17,800 children didn’t go to the dentist in 2017, and the medical director for NHS England in Cheshire and Merseyside has vowed to work with local practices and parents to boost this figure in 2018. Dr Kieran Murphy said that NHS England is encouraging parents to take their children to the dentist on a regular basis, as well as providing information to raise awareness of the importance of dental care for kids.
In Warrington, the uptake has decreased slightly from 2016, and this is a trend that is reflected nationally. Figures also showed that over 40 percent of adults didn’t see a dentist last year.
The figures have prompted the British Dental Association to criticise the government for failing to provide parents with the information they need to protect their children’s teeth.
The advice from dental experts is to take children aged over 2 years old to the dentist every six months. Regular checks should be combined with healthy eating and good oral hygiene. Tooth decay is the most common cause of hospital admissions among children, and dentists are keen to promote regular dental appointments, sugar-free snacking and twice-daily brushing.
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