Children in Torbay are receiving lessons in good oral hygiene to address high rates of tooth decay leading to extractions under general anaesthetic. Nearly 25% of five-year-olds in the area experience tooth decay, four times the average in England. Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise is visiting schools to provide advice, targeting children who may not have seen a dentist due to the pandemic and limited NHS services. Assistant head teacher Lucy Drohan emphasizes the importance of continuing to educate children about dental health. With lessons running until March, what additional measures can communities take to promote oral hygiene and reduce the need for dental extractions among children?
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It’s great to see initiatives like this one by Torbay Council and Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise stepping in to provide education on oral hygiene. Do you think more widespread access to NHS dentists could help reduce these numbers further?
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Communities can implement initiatives like free dental check-ups in schools, collaborate with local dentists for outreach programs, and distribute educational resources to families. Encouraging healthier dietary choices and regular brushing habits can also play a crucial role in preventing tooth decay and minimizing the need for dental interventions among children.
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I think there should be more emphasis on the teeth care education. Honestly, I’ve broken my arm before, and it felt nowhere near as painful as a canal treatment i had to undergo on one of my teeth. Taught me a great lesson🙃