NHS workers to tackle tooth decay problem
HEALTH workers are to intervene to improve children’s dental hygiene as ‘nearly half’ of five-year-olds start school with tooth decay.
Rochdale council and the NHS will provide interventions which ensure that children are getting the correct dental care and advice.
The new service will teach children aged two to five how to brush their teeth correctly.
Parents will be asked to give consent for their children to take part in activities which teach children good toothbrushing techniques.
Councillor Sara Rowbotham, cabinet member for health and wellbeing at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Improving the health of Rochdale’s young children is a key priority for us and oral hygiene plays an important role in that.
“Almost half of our five-year-olds start school with dental decay so we ask that parents allow their children to access all the services available and remember the importance of taking children to the dentist once a year.”
Packs to aid toothbrushing at home are given to children aged four and under who go to nursery or school.
Coun Rowbotham said: “Tackling unhealthy habits is a crucial preventative measure to protect our young children against poor dental health and weight gain so we continue to prioritise working with schools to implement healthy lifestyles initiatives to ensure children grow up to be healthy adults.”