St Helen’s Dentists Urge Parents to Use Free Fluoride Varnish Treatment
A dental team from St Helen’s is urging parents to take advantage of free fluoride varnish treatment in a bid to reduce rates of tooth decay and keep youngsters healthy and happy.
The mydentist dentists and nurses are encouraging parents to book appointments for their children as the new school year approaches. Fluoride varnish is a preventative treatment that is available free of charge for children on the NHS. The procedure takes a matter of minutes and simply involves fluoride being added to the tooth surface. This mineral, which is found naturally in tap water, helps to strengthen and protect the enamel, decreasing susceptibility to dental decay.
Practice manager Bev Sephton said that parents should be aware of the free services available to children on the NHS. Statistic show that almost a third of children didn’t see a dentist between 2012 and 2014, despite appointments being available free of charge and advice from dentists to attend a check-up every six months. Missing out on routine checks and preventative measures has contributed to an alarming increase in the number of children undergoing dental treatment in hospital. In 2012/2013, the NHS spent almost £30 million on extraction procedures for children.
Ms Sephton said that the mydentist team from Victoria Square is eager to stem the rising tide of decay. The practice is currently taking on new patients and families are very welcome. Fluoride treatment is designed for children over the age of three and two sessions are recommended annually.
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