A recent report from Child of the North and the Centre for Young Lives think tank, titled “An Evidence-Based Plan for Improving Children’s Oral Health with and Through Educational Settings,” proposes critical measures to address the growing crisis of tooth decay among children in England.
The report, which is the eighth in a series published in 2024, calls on the new Government to establish a comprehensive national strategy aimed at improving children’s oral health. Key recommendations include reducing sugar consumption, optimizing fluoride use, and enhancing access to dental care. The findings reveal the extensive impact of untreated tooth decay, which can lead to severe consequences such as toothache, sleep disturbances, dietary changes, and negative effects on speech development. Poor oral health can also diminish self-confidence and hinder developmental progress, with children in deprived areas experiencing the most significant burdens.
The report advocates for the development of a national child oral health improvement strategy, particularly focusing on reducing social inequalities faced by children in the North of England. This strategy should be managed by a national board composed of representatives from government departments, local authorities, dental organizations, academic institutions, and charitable organizations.
Proposals include leveraging early years and educational settings to implement preventive measures. The report highlights the importance of collaborative approaches involving health visitors, nurseries, and schools. Additionally, it suggests reorienting dental services to focus more on preventing dental diseases among children and young people.
The report also commends the University of Liverpool’s Smile Squad project as an exemplary initiative in addressing children’s oral health issues. The project, run in collaboration with Liverpool FC’s LFC Foundation and local dental practices, provides dental screenings and preventive care in primary schools across the Liverpool City Region. It includes supervised tooth brushing programs, community workshops, and outreach efforts for refugees.
Professor Sondos Albadri, Honorary Consultant in Paediatric Dentistry and Vice Dean for Research and Postgraduate Studies at the University’s School of Dentistry, emphasized the urgency of addressing the oral health crisis. “Children’s oral health is at a critical juncture, and immediate action is required,” said Professor Albadri. “This report consolidates evidence-based recommendations and underscores the need for collaborative efforts to drive meaningful change. As a paediatric dentist, I witness the profound effects of dental decay on children and recognize that while many excellent initiatives exist, further work is essential. Universities have a crucial role in supporting local authorities to implement effective interventions.”
The report serves as a call to action for the new Government to prioritize children’s oral health and implement strategies that can make a substantial difference in addressing this pressing issue.
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