Get a free dental check
PRACTICE OFFERING SERVICE TO CHILDREN AND ADULTS MOST IN NEED
FREE check-ups for children and those most in need are being offered by a dental practice.
Saffron Lane Dental Practice, in Leicester, will be open at weekends throughout the year.
Dr Neel Somani, from the practice, said: “We want to boost oral health. It’s for anyone who needs to come, any child or adult.
“We don’t want them to lose out on any school time.
“Leicester and Nottingham have some of the poorest levels of dental health in the country for children.
“We see children as a highly vulnerable group as they can’t do anything for themselves.
“So, if we make it possible for parents to bring them in as easy as possible, it gives them a little more hope.”
NHS data shows that tooth decay is the top reason for hospital admission in children aged six to 10.
Children living in the poorest areas are nearly three-and-a-half times more likely to have a tooth extracted because of decay than those in richer areas.
Karen Coates, from the Oral Health Foundation, said: “The fact there are such big differences in oral health is really worrying and not fair.
“This big difference shows how important it is that everyone can get to a dentist.
“The presence of oral health inequalities is deeply concerning and wholly unacceptable.
“We are deeply moved by Neel and his team’s compassionate endeavours to uplift their community, enhancing the oral wellbeing of children – a heartwarming testament of what it means to give back.
“If we don’t act early and take preventative measures, we are storing up problems for later life.
“The consequences are real and immediate – children suffer sleepless nights due to pain, miss school days and parents’ work is disrupted. Immediate action is imperative.”
The Oral Health Foundation suggests brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste last thing at night and once more during the day, with an adult watching until at least age seven.
Other advice is to avoid rinsing with water after brushing and keeping an eye on sugar intake.
Anyone having trouble finding a dentist can call 0300 311 2233 or visit: