Dental Check by One Campaign
So, when should you start taking your baby to the dentist? If we were to ask a selection of new parents we would more than likely hear different answers: when they’ve got their first tooth, when they’ve got all their milk teeth, when they are old enough to co-operate, around the age of 3 etc etc.
So what is correct? In September 2017 The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry launched the DCby1 (dental check by one) Campaign designed to encourage all babies to be taken to the dentist for their first check before their first birthday even if they have no teeth yet.
Dental care for children is free on the NHS and yet only 19% of children have seen a dentist by the age of 3. If a dentist can examine a baby’s teeth before their 1st birthday, there is a greater chance of identifying oral health problems and preventing decay in the future.
A few facts about child tooth decay in England and Wales:
- Tooth decay is the number one reason for child hospital admissions.
- In 2016/2017 there were 42,911 extractions under general anaesthetic in under 18’s.
- This equates to 170 multiple extractions every day.
- These extractions cost the NHS £36.3 million.
- The total cost of tooth extraction operations in under 18’s since 2012 is £165 million.
- The number of extractions in children has risen by nearly 20% since 2012 These facts are shocking.Tooth decay is preventable.
Langmans Dental Health Centres are supporting the DCby1 campaign and would encourage all parents to book their babies in to see a dentist before the age of one. Remember these appointments are free on the NHS.
For more information on how to look after baby, toddler and children’s oral health check out our previous blogs:
Looking after our children’s teeth
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