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Release: Immediate
DENTAL HEALTH GAP WIDENS BETWEEN RICH AND POOR
The UK’s leading oral health charity has urged the Government to focus on the prevention of dental decay in under 5’s following a new report into children’s health.
The British Dental Health Foundation called for more awareness in spearhead areas after a report published by the Audit Commission highlighted the increasing gap in health care between children living in deprived communities compared to the rest of the population.
Figures produced by the independent watchdog show around 150,000 more children have decayed, missing and filled teeth in spearhead areas compared with the rest of the country " a gap which has increased dramatically over the last ten years.
It was determined that children living in disadvantaged areas are 54 percent more likely to live in workless households and face poorer health conditions than under 5’s living in less deprived areas.
Out of these children one in five have been judged to have poor dental health.
Evidence clearly shows establishing good oral health during a child’s early years may play a vital role in regards to better health in later life, with diminished levels of heart disease, strokes and diabetes.
The report also demonstrated that children from minority groups have poorer health levels, with their parents less likely to take advantage of mainstream health services due to lack of awareness or cultural preferences.
Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter said the Foundation aims to reduce the number of children suffering from oral health deficiencies.
He said: “Dental disease is the most common preventable childhood disease and good education at an early age can have a significant impact.
"Parents are very much responsible for helping their children to develop a good oral health routine and ensure regular visits to the dentist.”
It is recommended that young children should start to go to the dentist as soon as possible, attending as often as the dentist recommends.
Dr Carter added: “The main cause of tooth decay is not the amount of sugar or acid in the diet, but how often it is eaten or drunk " the more often a child has sugary or acidic foods or drinks, the more likely they are to have decay.
“It is therefore important to keep sugary and acidic foods to mealtimes only. If you want to give your child a snack, try to stick to cheese, vegetables and fruit, but not dried fruit.”
For information and expert advice on your children’s teeth and oral health issues call the Dental Helpline on 0845 063 1188, alternatively visit the website at www.dentalhealth.org
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Editor’s notes
For further information please contact the Foundation’s Press Office on 01788 539792 or by emailing pr@dentalhealth.org
The British Dental Health Foundation is an independent charity that along with its global arm, the International Dental Health Foundation, is dedicated to improving the oral health of the public by providing free and impartial dental advice.
The Foundation runs two annual UK campaigns called National Smile Month (May"June) and Mouth Cancer Action Month (November).
Providing support and education for the public, profession and Government the Foundation advise on oral health issues such as preventive care, fluoridation and oral health through an independent product approval scheme.
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