Government to issue free dental packs for children
Free toothbrushes and toothpaste are to be given to a
million children in England over the next three years, as part of a £1m
dental health scheme launched on 30 August.
The scheme is part of the Government’s dental strategy which aims
to ensure that by 2003, five-year-old children should have on average
no more than one decayed, missing or filled tooth, with 70 per cent of
five-year-olds experiencing no tooth decay at all.
The “Brushing for life” project will help to meet this commitment
by targeting 21 health authorities with the highest levels of dental decay
— 11 in the North West, five in Yorkshire and five in London.
Health visitors will give out free packs including a toothbrush, toothpaste
and leaflets to the parents and carers of young children. They will also
demonstrate correct toothbrushing techniques and give oral health talks
in nurseries and playgroups.
The packs will be given out at the usual health development checks at
eight months, 18 months, and three years of age.
Health Minister Hazel Blears said: “Most recent figures show that
over 60 per cent of five-year-olds now experience no tooth decay at all.
This is excellent news, but research also shows that in some deprived
areas, children can experience three times the amount of dental decay
compared to children from more affluent areas.”
The dental strategy is available on the Department of Health website.
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Health authorities covered by the dental scheme
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North West
Liverpool
Bury and Rochdale
Manchester
Salford and Trafford
West Pennine
East Lancashire
Wigan and Bolton
South Lancashire
Wirral
North West Lancashire
St Helens and Knowsley
Yorkshire
Leeds
Wakefield
Bradford
Barnsley
Calderdale and Kirklees
London
Camden and Islington
East London and City
Brent and Harrow
Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow
Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster |
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