We conducted research earlier on in the year, which revealed some shocking facts about children’s oral health in the UK. This led to us launching our nationwide Kids’ Club initiative, with the aim of educating parents on how to properly look after their children’s teeth - oh, and to make a trip to the dentist fun of course!
Around a quarter of UK children develop tooth decay by the time they start school, making it the nation’s most common childhood disease. Shockingly, more than 25 per cent of 2 to 5-year-olds have one or more cavities, and it’s the same for kids aged 12 to 15 years old. This is obviously having an effect in later life as tooth decay affects two thirds of 16 to 19-year-olds.
At mydentist, we’re really keen to tackle tooth decay in children, what’s why we offer fluoride varnishes for all children. Fluoride varnish is a free NHS preventative treatment available to all children aged three and above providing they are clinically suitable. It offers protection against decay and strengthens teeth. As well as this, many of our practices now host Kids’ Club events in their practice and visit local schools.
Commenting at our Kids’ Club launch back in May, Barry Cockcroft, Former Chief Dental Officer for NHS England and Non-Executive Director at mydentist said: “Early dental care can be a confusing, daunting issue for many parents. As an industry we must work harder to ensure the best and most appropriate resources are available. Better education must support the significant access improvements the industry and its relevant stakeholders are making, in order to build a system where the key drivers of prevention and treatment can work effectively together.
“At mydentist we want to be at the forefront of this evolution. Today’s launch of our Kids Club initiative is a crucial first step. We will deliver innovation to our patients and change out dated perceptions of the sector through providing a service that has the hallmarks of professional expertise, trust and long-term relationships offered nationwide through modern, transparent and convenient patient delivery.”
Key initiatives of our Kids’ Club include:
The Plaque Attack app: Innovative digital resource to educate, engage and reward children.
My Little Book of Big Smiles: In-depth parental resource available online and in-practice to educate on early dental health
Kids Club Dental Unit: Our mobile dental unit which we’re currently touring about schools across the UK to activity engage with kids and introduce them to a surgery environment.
Free Brushing Aids: A two minute timer with a twist to encourage kids to brush their teeth for the recommended duration.
For more information on your children’s dental health, visit our Kids’ Club page.
Don’t forget to download The Plaque Attack today for great fun for all the family, available free on Apple and Android.
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