DT News - UK - National programme improves dental health of children in Wales

Dental Tribune International

Wed. 11 February 2015

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CARDIFF, UK: The Welsh Government’s Designed to Smile programme has succeeded in its mission to improve children’s oral health. According to the latest report, fewer children in Wales have tooth decay and overall levels of dental disease have continued to decrease since its launch in 2009.

The report shows a drop of 6 per cent in the proportion of five-year-olds with dental decay. Almost 93,000 children—more than ever—took part in supervised toothbrushing activities at home. This is an increase of 5,500 children compared with the year before. The figures also indicate that oral disease levels across all social groups have decreased since the programme was introduced in Wales.

This finding appears especially promising, since Designed to Smile initially focused on reducing oral health inequalities between children from the most deprived and the least deprived families in Wales. It also contrasts with previous dental surveys, where reduction in tooth decay levels was usually associated with widening inequality.

Design to Smile focuses on clinical steps that have been shown to prevent decay, such as the application of fluoride varnish and fissure sealants. It also includes supervised toothbrushing in schools and nurseries, underpinned by general oral health education and promotion. The education sessions aim to establish good oral hygiene habits early on and include preventative advice on healthy food choices and nutrition. According to the 2014 report, more than 91,000 children benefitted from these sessions.

The dental health of children in Wales has been among the worst in the UK. “Daily tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste is an effective means of helping to prevent tooth decay; however, for many children cleaning their teeth or having their teeth cleaned does not form part of their daily routine,” remarked David Thomas, Chief Dental Officer for Wales, on the preventative aspects of the programme.

Since Design to Smile was introduced in 2009, the Welsh Government has invested £12 million in the oral health initiative. In 2014, almost 60 per cent of children in Wales aged 3–6 took part in the programme.

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