The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health calls for dental health to become a priority

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Representatives from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) have called for dental health to become a priority for ministers, parents and public health officials. The body spoke out after a survey conducted in partnership with Mumsnet revealed that many parents are unaware of when they need to take their child for their first dental check.

The survey, which involved around 1,000 parents, revealed that only 50 percent of respondents were aware that they should take their child to the dentist for the first time at the age of 12 months old. More than 20 percent of parents said that they had struggled to access free NHS dental care for their child or themselves during pregnancy or shortly after birth.

In light of the survey findings, the RCPCH has shared guidelines, which encourage parents to take their child for regular check-ups from the age of one, promote twice-daily brushing using fluoride toothpaste and replace fizzy drinks with water or milk.

The organisation has also urged the government to consider funding water fluoridations schemes and prevent local authorities carrying the cost of such measures. Fluoride is a mineral, which is added to the water supply in some parts of the country. It is proven to strengthen the enamel, reducing the risk of decay.

Dr Elizabeth O’Sullivan, from the RCPCH, explained that preventable dental conditions were costing the NHS more than £50 million per year and suggested that there was a “postcode lottery” in place, which meant that some children had access to brilliant education and preventative measures, while others had very little in the way of information, treatment and support.

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