Scots children to benefit with launch of dental health programme

SCOTS children will benefit from a new programme to improve their dental health.

Public Health Minister Michael Matheson said the “ambitious” Childsmile scheme - with an investment of £15 million - was now being delivered across the country.

The initiative stresses the importance of toothbrushing and as part of the scheme all youngsters are given packs containing a toothbrush, toothpaste and an information leaflet at least six times by the age of five.

Other measures, targeted at the most deprived areas, involve putting fluoride varnish on children’s teeth to help prevent decay.

In more than 90 per cent of nursery and primary schools in the most deprived areas, children have been taught how to brush their teeth properly.

Mr Matheson said: “Thanks to work to ensure that children know the importance of dental care at the earliest age, Scotland’s children are now primed to have a lifetime of good oral health.”

Around 900 dental practices across the country are involved in the scheme and Ray McAndrew, associate medical director in oral health at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said:

“This exciting programme encourages dentists and their staff to give advice to parents on the care of their children’s teeth. It places a strong emphasis on preventing dental decay through daily tooth brushing using fluoride toothpaste and advice on diet.”

Figures released at the end of last year showed that for the first time all health boards met the Scottish Government target of having at least 60 per cent of primary seven youngsters with no obvious sign of tooth decay.