UK - 'Varnish to help fillings vanish'

'Varnish to help fillings vanish' .Thursday, February 09, 2012 Leicester Mercury
Children with really rotten teeth could have them varnished with fluoride three or four times a year under plans being considered by health bosses.
Public health officials have also suggested giving out free toothpaste and toothbrushes.
Latest figures show that, on average, five year olds in Leicester have at least two rotten, missing or filled teeth.
Ivan Browne, a consultant in public health for the primary care trusts (PCTs) for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, said: "This is an average. Some children have many more than two decayed teeth.
"Research has shown that varnishing teeth with fluoride can have the same effect as fluoridating water supplies.
"National guidance says all children should have the varnish twice a year but, if a child has a particular problem with decay, this should be increased to three or four times a year.
"Although its use has increased over the past three years, there appear to be a number of dental practices that do not follow the guidance.
"We will be looking at this."
Other plans to be discussed by PCT directors today include a marketing campaign to make sure people know how easy it is to get NHS dental services and the appointment of a public health consultant specialising in dental health – a move backed by the joint health scrutiny committee for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Mr Browne said: "Having a public health specialist would give drive to strategies.
"We also need to dispel people's perception that it is difficult to see an NHS dentist.
"Tooth decay is an entirely preventable condition.
"I see things that shock me, such as children and even toddlers being given fizzy pop and very sugary snacks.
"Parents could be encouraged to maintain good oral health by providing them with a supply of fluoride toothpaste as well, or instead of, free toothbrushes."
Braunstone dentist Philip Martin said: "I am very supportive of any measures which help to improve children's oral health.
"If we get preventative measures right now for young people, there will be immediate benefits which would continue through their lifetime.
"Varnishing children's teeth with fluoride twice a year very much improves the strength of the teeth."
Mr Martin, vice-chairman of Leicestershire and Rutland Dental Committee, said handing out free toothpaste "wouldn't do any harm" but that "the most important thing is that children are brushing their teeth twice a day and that their sugar intake is reduced".