More than a third of children are starting school in Southampton with rotting teeth, it has been revealed. The figures are also on the rise and confirm Southampton has the worst oral health rates in the South East. Eighteen months ago plans to add fluoride to the city’s water supply were scrapped after public outcry over the move.
No commentsRead more: Southampton children paying for anti-fluoride decision
The British Dental Association (BDA) has greeted news of provisional agreement on the junior contract between the British Medical Association (BMA) and Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, following talks at the conciliation service Acas. Hospital dentists employed on the same terms of service as junior doctors have participated at every stage of the recent industrial action, alongside their medical colleagues.
A stakeholders meeting organised by British Society for Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) at London’s Foundling Museum has given a kick-start to collaborative working with others committed to improving oral health in children. Robin Mills, President of BSPD, said in his welcome that when the Foundling Hospital was established in the 18th century, children were getting a raw deal. This was still true today, he said, highlighting the high number of children who never see a dentist as well as the surprising move towards funding adult-only NHS services in some areas.
Read more: BSPD gives kick-start to better oral health for children
Little is known about the bur debris left behind in the teeth and whether it poses potential health risks to patients. Imaging analyses have revealed dental bur fragments of different sizes in different locations on the floor of the prepared surface of the teeth and under the filling, which places them in direct contact with the tubules and fluid within dentine.
Read more: Researchers warn of potentially hazardous dental drill debris
The British Orthodontic Society (BOS) has launched a new online resource to support the decision-making of the rising number of adults opting for orthodontic treatment. The new publication – The BOS Guide to Orthodontics for Adults - is a first for BOS in that it’s designed for patients to read before they see a clinician. It can be found at: www.bos.org.uk/adultorthodontics
Read more: BOS launches online resource for adult orthodontic treatment
Tooth decay among five-year-olds continues significant decline, according to the oral health survey published by Public Health England. Less than 25% of the cohort suffers from tooth decay, a 20 per cent drop since 2008. Sandra White, director of dental public health at Public Health England, said: “This is great news. However, one child with tooth decay is one too many.”
Read more: Good news about decline in decay among 5-year olds