Organisations across healthcare are supporting the national launch of the Dental Check by One campaign by the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry.

Organisations across healthcare are supporting the national launch of the Dental Check by One campaign by the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry.

Whether parents or guardians of young children are in a surgery, school, nursery, hospital or their own home, they should be reminded of the importance of getting their child to the dentist by the age of one.

The first visit to the dentist is an important opportunity for a child to start a life of positive dental care and for parents to get advice on how to keep their child’s teeth healthy and strong.

Claire Stevens, a consultant in paediatric dentistry and President of BSPD said: 'Children as young as two and three are being admitted to hospital for extractions under general anaesthetic which is why we need to reach families early to provide support on prevention. We hope Dental Check by One will raise awareness of looking after children’s teeth from an early age – baby teeth do matter!'

The campaign is being launched in partnership with the Office of the Chief Dental Officer.

Sara Hurley, Chief Dental Officer for England said: 'The opportunities and benefits of Dental Check by One are a vital element in addressing health inequality and securing a smile for life for every child. Working together with families, the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry and the dental profession we are taking a major step forward in realising our ambition of a generation of children cavity free.'

Jenny Godson, chair of the Child Oral Health Improvement Programme Board said: 'Going to the dentist early allows parents/carers to be given evidence based preventive advice on how to care for their children such as reducing the consumption of sugar in foods and drinks and brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.'

Among the other organisations pledging their support are: the British Medical Association, the Local Government Association’s Wellbeing Board, Wellbeing Board, the Faculty of Dental Surgery of the Royal College of Surgeons (England), the Faculty of General Dental Practice(UK), the Royal College of General Practitioners, the Oral Health Foundation, the Community Practitioners and Health Visitors Association, the British Orthodontic Society, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy, the Institute of Health Visiting, the British Association of Dental Nurses, the Society of British Dental Nurses and the Oral Health Promotion Group.

For more, visit http://bspd.co.uk/Resources/Dental-Check-by-One

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