North Tyneside Council has approved a new “toothbrush initiative” aimed at improving dental health across the area. The initiative follows the formation of a ‘Dental Task Force’ in March of last year, which was unanimously endorsed by local councillors. The council’s cabinet has now greenlit several recommendations, with a primary focus on expanding toothbrush provision to communities in need. The director of public health will spearhead a targeted campaign in early years settings, prioritizing areas with the highest levels of dental health inequality.
One key element of the campaign will involve increasing “toothbrushing availability” at local foodbanks and government-supported programs offering meals, activities, and childcare during school holidays. Research indicates that although North Tyneside boasts the lowest rates of tooth decay in three- and five-year-olds in the region, those affected by decay are more likely to experience severe dental problems compared to neighboring areas. Additionally, the region’s rate of tooth extractions for children stands at 751.9 per 100,000, far higher than the national average of 360.4 per 100,000.
The report also highlights a higher incidence of oral cancer in North Tyneside, with rates at 15.06 per 100,000 compared to the national figure of 14.55. A survey conducted by the council revealed that 19% of respondents (from a sample of 317) were not registered with any dental practice, either NHS or private, and thus unable to access dental care. North Tyneside residents also rank second in the region for seeking urgent dental care, following Northumberland.
Additional recommendations from the task force include the director of public health fostering closer collaboration with the local dental network to support local practitioners and advocate for residents’ dental health needs.
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