Tooth Decay Shocking Figures

CHILDREN from Blackburn with Darwen have the worst teeth in the country and those of five-year-olds in Burnley, Hyndburn, and Pendle are almost as bad.
Across the four boroughs scarcely half make it to primary school without fillings or any removed.

The latest figures for 2014/2015 show that just 43.9 per cent children in Blackburn with Darwen make it the age of five without suffering from tooth decay, fillings or missing teeth against a national average of 75.2 per cent and a North-West figure of 66.6.

Children are currently seen free of charge under the NHS scheme until they are 18.

Getting children into good dental habits at an early age should ensure that they keep their own teeth for life.

Diet, oral hygiene and visits to the dentist are all important in helping to care for a child's teeth.

 

How can I protect my child's teeth?

To reduce your child's risk of tooth decay and dental erosion:

• You should start cleaning your child's teeth as soon as they come through the gums. There are special toothbrushes and toothpastes for babies.
• If your child is less than two years old, only use a smear of toothpaste. After that, use an amount about the size of a small pea.
• Take your child to the dentist regularly
• Don't give him/her too many sugary or acidic foods and drinks
• Encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day morning and night with fluoride toothpaste.
• Supervise your child when they are brushing their teeth until they are at least 7yrs old.
• Encourage your child to spit out toothpaste and not rinse with water, as this reduces the effect of the fluoride

 

 

When celebrating children's birthday's in nursery please remember to give children cake or chocolate as a pudding with their main meals. Limiting regular snacking prevents additional acid attacks on children's teeth and therefore decay.