UK - Success for scheme to combat tooth decay in Keighley district primary school children

by Alistair Shand

UPTAKE on a scheme to varnish thousands of primary school and nursery pupils’ teeth with fluoride has been positive, says the district care trust behind the decay-busting initiative.

All primary schools across Bradford and Airedale have been invited to sign up for the sessions carried out by NHS dental nurses and so far about 300, including other childcare settings, have enrolled.

Dr Shirley Brierley

Bradford and Airedale has the poorest oral health in the region, with over 46 per cent of five-year-olds having tooth decay, compared with 33.6 per cent across Yorkshire and the Humber.

“Research shows that fluoride varnish is highly effective at reducing dental disease if applied twice a year directly onto the tooth surface, in addition to regular brushing," said Swarngit Shahid, clinical director at Bradford District Care Trust, which provides the service.

The varnishing project, commissioned by Public Health Bradford, is in its fourth year and is just one programme which is part of a package of oral health improvements called Building Brighter Smiles.

There is evidence that fluoride varnish can reduce tooth decay in first teeth by 33 per cent and all children between the ages of two and four are eligible to have it done.

Last year, it was revealed that three Bradford-district under-fives have teeth pulled out in hospital every week, because of infections caused by eating sugary food and failing to brush teeth properly.

Official statistics showed 462 children in the district were admitted to hospital with dental issues over a three-year period.

Dr Shirley Brierley, consultant in public health for Bradford Council, said: “The fluoride varnish programme is aimed at providing effective intervention in all children aged between two and four.”