Comment on children's oral health in special support schools
24 Sep 2015
Public Health England (PHE) today published a report which looks at the prevalence and severity of dental decay among five-year-old and 12-year-old children attending special support schools in 2014.
Commenting on this, Professor Nigel Hunt, Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery, said:
“It is concerning that children in special support schools have poorer oral hygiene and are more likely to have teeth extracted than other children.
“Tooth decay is almost entirely preventable in all children through cutting back on sugary foods and drinks, brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and visiting the dentist regularly once teeth come through. However, children with complex special needs have additional problems which put further pressures on parents and carers. NHS England and local authorities should ensure children with complex special needs have access to a dentist with the specialist skills, including communication skills, to treat them. We would also like to see the Government further explore with local authorities the introduction of water fluoridation in order to reduce the significant inequalities in children’s oral health in England.”
The press statement and report by Public Health England can be read here.
Notes to editor
The Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons of England is committed to enabling dentists and specialists to provide patients with the highest possible standards of practice and care. Registered charity number: 212808.
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