New Scheme To Tackle Tooth Decay Levels In Salford Unveiled

Mon, 04 Jan 2010

Health bosses in Salford, Greater Manchester, have launched a new scheme to improve dental health standards in the area by making children brush their teeth at school.

Under the new NHS scheme, which is being run in 52 reception classes and nurseries, each child is given a brush and encouraged to clean their teeth after lunch every day under the supervision of teachers.

NHS Salford said it will spend 8,000 between now and April in supplying toothpaste and brushes to children aged four in reception classes throughout the city, with a further £15,000 to be invested in an awareness campaign in 2010/11.

Dr Brian Hope, medical director for NHS Salford, said: "This investment represents the latest move by NHS Salford to try to improve oral health ."

"Earlier this year we announced 6,000 extra NHS dental spaces in response to people’s concerns and we hope parents will take this opportunity to further encourage their young children to regularly brush their teeth ."

He added: "Salford has poor levels of oral health across all age ranges. The main cause is excessive consumption of sugar in food and drink ."

Counillor John Warmis-ham said: "It is the responsibility of parents to make sure children brush their teeth, but we believe getting children to do it at school will instill the habit and lead to better oral health ."

"The idea, like the five a day drive with fruit and vegetables, is to catch them young."

According to official data, more than half of all children in Salford have had tooth decay by the age of five.

It is hoped the new scheme will help reduce the prevalence of tooth decay in children under five from 53 per cent to 47 per cent in 2010/11.
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