A Margate dentist has warned parents they could be putting their child at risk of tooth decay by not taking advantage of free NHS fluoride varnish treatment.
Around a quarter of UK children (1) develop tooth decay by the time they start school, making it the nation’s most common childhood disease.
Margate is in an area which doesn’t have the recommended concentration of one part per million of fluoride in the water supply, which means residents are more susceptible to tooth decay. Fluoride varnish is a free NHS preventative treatment available to all children aged three and above providing they are clinically suitable. It offers protections against decay and strengthens teeth.
mydentist practice manager Emma Kay said: “Statistics show 30 per cent of children didn’t see an NHS dentist between 2012 and 2014 (1) and dental issues are the main reason for children being admitted to hospital. Indeed £30m was spent on tooth extractions for under 18’s in 2012/2013 (1).
“We’re committed to changing this trend in Margate and we are the only dentist in the town registering new NHS patients at our recently updated practice. We are particularly keen for families with young children to register with us so they can benefit from free NHS fluoride varnish which is normally applied to children’s teeth twice a year from the age of three.”
mydentist at 3 High Street is part of the largest network of dental care providers in the UK. Its recent makeover has been inspired by what its seven million UK patients said they wanted from a dentist.
“Dental care needs to be professional but that doesn’t mean it can’t be friendly too. We were determined to create an environment which was both warm and relaxing and we’re in the prettiest building in Margate,” said Ms Kay.
The practice has five dentists and a hygienist providing NHS and private dentistry in premises that provide easy access for wheelchair users. It is open five days a week Monday to Friday from 8.30 to 5.30.
Patients should call 01843 292441 to make an appointment.