Wales. Never mentioned fluoridation - amazing.
Tooth decay warning is nothing to smile about
PARENTS are being urged to lead by example after figures revealed a massive increase in tooth decay among children. A recent survey shows that nearly half the children in the county suffer from tooth decay by the age of five. Health chiefs are worried by the increase in the number of children not looking after their teeth properly, and are calling on parents to make changes.
Anne Williams, oral health promotion officer for the North Wales Community Dental Service, said: “We would like to see a better level of dental health among children in Flintshire. “Decay levels among children are increasing and therefore we need to make changes – people need to take on this behaviour themselves.” The dental service is encouraging parents to follow a few simple steps to protect their children’s oral health. Ms Williams said: “Sugar causes tooth decay, and while excluding it from a diet completely is very difficult, the damage it causes can be restricted.
“Limiting sugar to meal times is very important, because it gives teeth time to recover. If children are going to have a sugary fizzy drink, they should have it with a main meal and drink water or milk in between meals.“Children like sweets, but we’re trying to encourage parents to give them only as a treat – maybe just once a week.” The message comes as part of National Smile Month, in which teams of experts are touring pre-school groups across Flintshire to promote key tips for that all-important smile. “The message is how children’s teeth can gain the maximum benefit from using fluoride toothpaste twice a day. “It’s crucial to get into the habit on thorough brushing from an early age, and that’s what this campaign is about.”
PARENTS are being urged to lead by example after figures revealed a massive increase in tooth decay among children. A recent survey shows that nearly half the children in the county suffer from tooth decay by the age of five. Health chiefs are worried by the increase in the number of children not looking after their teeth properly, and are calling on parents to make changes.
Anne Williams, oral health promotion officer for the North Wales Community Dental Service, said: “We would like to see a better level of dental health among children in Flintshire. “Decay levels among children are increasing and therefore we need to make changes – people need to take on this behaviour themselves.” The dental service is encouraging parents to follow a few simple steps to protect their children’s oral health. Ms Williams said: “Sugar causes tooth decay, and while excluding it from a diet completely is very difficult, the damage it causes can be restricted.
“Limiting sugar to meal times is very important, because it gives teeth time to recover. If children are going to have a sugary fizzy drink, they should have it with a main meal and drink water or milk in between meals.“Children like sweets, but we’re trying to encourage parents to give them only as a treat – maybe just once a week.” The message comes as part of National Smile Month, in which teams of experts are touring pre-school groups across Flintshire to promote key tips for that all-important smile. “The message is how children’s teeth can gain the maximum benefit from using fluoride toothpaste twice a day. “It’s crucial to get into the habit on thorough brushing from an early age, and that’s what this campaign is about.”
posted by Bill at
9:46 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home