A survey to support the campaign shows that children are consuming three times more sugar than recommended, leading to obesity and dental decay.
As part of the campaign dentists are being provided with a free dental toolkit to act as a springboard for a discussion about dental prevention with parents and families. All chairs of Local Dental Networks have been notified about the toolkits and invited to encourage practices to apply early.
Claire Stevens, president of BSPD, said, “It’s the first time in some years that dentistry has featured in such a high profile national public health campaign and this is real progress. It’s an important achievement for PHE’s Child Oral Health Improvement Programme Board led by Jenny Godson, of which BSPD is proud to be a member.”
The free toolkit – titled Top Tips for Teeth - includes, posters, leaflets, badges and a briefing guide to be used in a dental practice setting. The kit is focused on delivering three key messages to parents:
• Be sugar smart: cut down on sugar
• Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
• Visit the dentist regularly
BSPD supports the clear link between obesity and dental decay in the latest campaign. The Society has already published an evidence-based position statement on the topic. http://bspd.co.uk/Resources/Position-Statements
Claire Stevens, BSPD president, added, “ With our national Dental Check by One campaign in 2017 and the launch of Starting Well programmes already underway, I firmly believe that we are going to start to see a difference in children’s oral health in the year ahead.”