Councils filling leadership vacuum on kids’ oral health

NICE has recommended councils provide toothbrushing schemes in schools and nurseries in areas where children have poor oral health. Similar schemes exist in both Wales and Scotland, where devolved governments have set out dedicated oral health strategies that include outreach to early years and primary schools, and which have contributed to record breaking falls in decay. Despite progress by many local authorities, there is no equivalent programme in England.

Health officials have claimed that devolution of powers to local authorities in England represents a barrier to rolling out a dedicated national programme.

Tooth decay is the number one reason for hospital admissions among children across Britain. England experiences significant and enduring oral health inequalities with a child born in Blackburn and Darwen nearly seven times more likely to experience decay than one born in Surrey.

Mick Armstrong, chair of the BDA, said: “Getting teachers, parents and health practitioners on the same page is a vital first step in the fight against tooth decay. Sadly while many councillors are stepping up to this challenge, ministers in Whitehall have been too willing to abdicate responsibility.