Healthy teeth; healthy kids

Healthwatch Kingston undertook research on children’s oral health and healthy teeth. They spoke to 14 children and 12 parents through two Healthy Teeth, Healthy Kids workshops and additional community engagement activity. The work was commissioned to support a review of children’s oral health after local data showed higher-than-average rates of dental decay and hospital admissions for tooth extractions among young children. 

The research found that both children and parents had a good understanding of how to maintain oral health, including reducing sugar intake, brushing teeth twice daily and attending regular dental check-ups. Despite this knowledge, almost half of the children spoken to had fillings and one child faced a possible tooth extraction because of decay. Parents raised concerns about children receiving sugary snacks at school and social events, making it difficult to manage sugar consumption consistently. 

Children and parents generally viewed dentists positively and understood the importance of regular check-ups, but some families reported difficulty registering with NHS dentists because local practices were full. The quality of communication and child-friendliness of dentists was seen as important, and some parents felt children engaged better when dentists spoke directly to them. The main sources of advice about oral health were parents and dentists, with very little information reportedly being provided through schools or other health professionals. 

Healthwatch Kingston recommended reducing the availability of sugary snacks in schools, continuing to promote healthy eating messages, improving communication between dentists, parents and children, providing clearer advice about brushing, flossing and first dental visits, and introducing oral health education at a younger age through health visitors, nurseries and schools. The report also highlighted concerns that stigma around dental decay may prevent some parents from seeking support or advice.