Government announces new programmes to help fight tooth decay

We welcome today’s announcement by the Government that it is investing £11 million in the launch of national supervised toothbrushing programme for three-to five-year-olds in early years settings across the most deprived areas of England. We also welcome the announcement that the Government is going ahead with the expansion of community water fluoridation across the North East. 

Greg Fell, ADPH President said: 

“Tooth decay is the leading cause of hospital admissions for five-to-nine-year-olds. That has a serious impact on both individuals and their families, with days missed from education and work, as well as a significant cost to the NHS. 

“While families need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to oversee good dental hygiene, there is much we can do as a society to improve the situation.  Water fluoridation schemes are the single most effective public health measure for reducing tooth decay rates, and the expansion of the scheme across the North East is very welcome.  

“We are also pleased to see funding for local public health teams to deliver a national toothbrushing programme which will be a welcome addition to the range of measures we already employ to reduce tooth decay, including work to restrict the availability and affordability of food and drink high in sugar.  

“Ultimately, good oral health means that children can be free from the pain and other related health problems that come from having decayed or missing teeth, which in turn supports them to live healthier, happier lives.”