DID YOU KNOW THAT CHILDREN SHOULD VIIT THE DENTIST BEFORE THEIR FIRST BIRTHDAY? A UK wide campaign has been launched in order to raise parent’s awareness of this issue.
Dental Check by One (#DCby1) is a nationwide campaign to encourage parents and carers to take their child to the dentist before their first birthday. It was launched by The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry to encourage a positive start for children with dental care and for parents to get advice on how to keep their child’s teeth healthy and strong.
Part of this message is that all babies should see a dentist when their first teeth appear, and no later than by their 1st birthday.
NHS Dental Care For Children Is Free
Despite children being seen for free on the NHS only 19% of children are taken to a dentist before they reach the age of three. If a dentist can examine a baby’s teeth before their 1st birthday, there is a greater chance of preventing decay and identifying many oral health problems.
The unnecessary suffering experienced by children and the associated cost to the NHS means there is a need for action. In 2013/14 over 66,800 children in England, Scotland and Wales had a general anaesthetic to remove decayed teeth. 49% of 5 year olds and 58% of 8 year olds have had tooth decay. The latest available figures estimate the cost to the NHS in 2015/16 of providing multiple dental extractions under general anaesthetic to children was a massive £50.5 million a year.
Presentation is Better Than Cure
Ensuring your children have a balance set and care for their teeth is the best way to prevent oral health problems. Get some tips and advice on our parents page.
NHS Children’s Dentist in Gravesend
We never refuse to see children under the NHS and its free! Book your baby and children in today!
