This announcement follows the publication of a paper written by the RCPCH and the Faculty of Public Health that is supported by the 24 members of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges.
In Securing our healthy future: prevention is better than cure we urge policymakers to address poor oral health in children and young people by implementing supervised toothbrushing scheme and ensuring all children are seen by a dentist by the age of one.
In response to the announcement, Dr Camilla Kingdon said:
As a children’s doctor, I know only too well the significant health and social consequences resulting from poor oral health. In 2022, 29% of five-year-olds in England had tooth decay. This is unacceptable in one of the richest nations in the world. It is a scandal that children living in the most deprived communities are unfairly and disproportionately impacted.
We know poor oral health is entrenching existing inequalities yet tooth decay is entirely preventable. That is why I and my colleagues across the medical profession have repeatedly called for action that enables positive oral health habits in children. Today’s announcement that Labour will provide funding for a national targeted toothbrushing scheme for children is certainly positive. The evidence is clear that these schemes are effective and help to address inequalities.
The future wellbeing and prosperity of our nation is dependent upon building a solid foundation of health for our next generation. Importantly, we know what works. I urge all political parties to prioritise the prevention of ill-health in childhood.