Research has revealed that over 50 percent of toddlers in the Redbridge area are not visiting their dentist on a regular basis.
The figures in Redbridge reflect rends across the country and the Western world, with oral health amongst young children declining at a staggering rate. Now, children are suffering from widespread decay from an increasingly young age and more and more children are having complex dental treatment before the age of 10.
Trends relating to poor oral health amongst children are associated with a change in dietary habits and a lack of basic oral hygiene, according to experts. Today, children are surrounded by an array of convenience foods that are full of salt and sugar and many are not taught the importance of looking after their teeth.
In a bid to improve standards of dental health in the area, NHS Redbridge has launched the Tiny Teeth programme, which will encourage children to participate actively in oral hygiene. Babies and children aged from 3 months upwards will be targeted by the scheme and parents will also be encouraged to help their children with teeth cleaning, teach their children about the important of good nutrition and ensure they visit their dentist regularly.
Maintaining a high standard of oral hygiene from as young an age as possible will help to ensure good oral health and reduce the need for complicated, expensive treatments in the future. It is important to target children now so that they have the opportunity to look after their teeth and gums and enjoy good dental health in years to come; they will then be able to pass on their good habits to future generations.
