Local NHS encourages residents to keep their child’s smile healthy
Tooth decay is the number one cause of admission to hospital for 6–10-year-olds, with a majority of these children requiring general anaesthetic procedures for dental extractions and treatment.
The NHS in mid and south Essex is raising awareness of simple steps families can take to improve their children’s oral health during Smile Month which is taking place across May and June and which aims to promote of the importance of oral health and the value of a healthy smile.
Sophia Morris, System Clinical Lead for Health Inequalities for Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System said: “Smile month is focused on tackling inequalities and providing people with information, tools and support to achieve the smile they deserve.
“In the local area we are seeing a large number of issues with young children, between the ages of 6 and 10, requiring general anaesthetic procedures for very serious dental health issues”.
“The Integrated Care Board is developing a strategy to improve our local children’s oral health; we want to make it easier for children to see a dentist and to support parents and carers to keep their children’s teeth healthy from an early age ”
To support parents and carers information is available on the ICS website with tips on how to keep your child’s oral health in good condition such as:
- Ensuring they brush for two minutes last thing at night and one other time during the day with a fluoride toothpaste
- Cutting down on sugary foods and drinks
- Visit the dentist regularly
For more information on Smile Month visit www.smilemonth.org. or the ICS website.