FDS Dean comments on letter in Daily Telegraph

Commenting on a letter published in today’s Daily Telegraph by dentists from across the country, Professor Nigel Hunt, Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery, said:

“It is appalling that tooth decay remains the most common reason why five-to nine-year olds are admitted to hospital, in some cases for multiple tooth extractions under general anaesthetic, even though it is almost entirely preventable.

“In the last two years approximately 50% of adults and almost a third of children haven’t seen a dentist despite the fact that routine visits to the dentist are vital to maintaining good oral health.

“Our report - The State of Children’s Oral Health in England - called for a wider government strategy to improve the nation’s oral health, improve access to dentists, and raise awareness of simple preventive measures. We welcome today’s Change4Life Sugar Smart campaign which encourages parents to restrict their children’s sugar consumption.  The launch of this new app will help parents and children to see how much sugar is in every day foods. We also hope the government’s upcoming childhood obesity strategy will include further measures to tackle oral health.”