SCOTS CHILDREN ARE WINNING THE BATTLE AGAINST TOOTH DECAY
Figures showed that a vast majority of primary school children don't have tooth decay
Wednesday December 26,2012
By David Scott
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A RECORD two-thirds of primary one pupils attending schools in Scotland have no obvious sign of tooth decay, Public Health Minister Michael Matheson revealed yesterday.
Despite the nation’s love of sweet treats and sugary drinks, figures for 2011-12 show 67 per cent of P1 pupils have no obvious tooth decay, compared with 54.1 per cent in 2005-06.
For the first time, all health boards have met the Scottish Government target for 60 per cent of primary ones to have no obvious signs of decay, statistics from the national dental inspection programme show.
Mr Matheson said: “It is fantastic news that record numbers of primary one children have no obvious signs of decay and, for the first time, all 14 NHS boards have exceeded the target, that 60 per cent should have no obvious signs of decay.
It is fantastic news that record numbers of primary one children have no obvious signs of decay
Mr Matheson
“This tremendous progress is the result of our significant investment in children’s dentistry over recent years. It is also tribute to our work with the British Dental Association and the commitment of Scottish dentists to deliver the Childsmile programme.”
Scotland’s chief dental officer, Margie Taylor, urged parents to teach children the importance of keeping their teeth clean and to restrict sweets to meal times.
“I know that a selection box can put a smile on the face of most children but it’s important that parents keep those smiles healthy.
“Children develop their oral health habits, good or bad, at a very young age. So it is important that parents remember their healthful habits and practices throughout the festive season to ensure that their children enjoy a lifetime of beautiful smiles.
“I would advise parents to keep sugary snacks to meal times and to avoid all sweets during the last hour before bedtime.
“Children should then brush their teeth with a pea-sized blob of toothpaste, brushing all surfaces of the teeth and gums, working on two teeth at a time.”
Wednesday December 26,2012
By David Scott
Have your say(0)
A RECORD two-thirds of primary one pupils attending schools in Scotland have no obvious sign of tooth decay, Public Health Minister Michael Matheson revealed yesterday.
Despite the nation’s love of sweet treats and sugary drinks, figures for 2011-12 show 67 per cent of P1 pupils have no obvious tooth decay, compared with 54.1 per cent in 2005-06.
For the first time, all health boards have met the Scottish Government target for 60 per cent of primary ones to have no obvious signs of decay, statistics from the national dental inspection programme show.
Mr Matheson said: “It is fantastic news that record numbers of primary one children have no obvious signs of decay and, for the first time, all 14 NHS boards have exceeded the target, that 60 per cent should have no obvious signs of decay.
It is fantastic news that record numbers of primary one children have no obvious signs of decay
Mr Matheson
“This tremendous progress is the result of our significant investment in children’s dentistry over recent years. It is also tribute to our work with the British Dental Association and the commitment of Scottish dentists to deliver the Childsmile programme.”
Scotland’s chief dental officer, Margie Taylor, urged parents to teach children the importance of keeping their teeth clean and to restrict sweets to meal times.
“I know that a selection box can put a smile on the face of most children but it’s important that parents keep those smiles healthy.
“Children develop their oral health habits, good or bad, at a very young age. So it is important that parents remember their healthful habits and practices throughout the festive season to ensure that their children enjoy a lifetime of beautiful smiles.
“I would advise parents to keep sugary snacks to meal times and to avoid all sweets during the last hour before bedtime.
“Children should then brush their teeth with a pea-sized blob of toothpaste, brushing all surfaces of the teeth and gums, working on two teeth at a time.”
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