Pupils in Frome were all smiles last week as a mobile dental classroom arrived in town to teach them how they can maintain a happy, healthy mouth.
Children from Christchurch First School, Vallis First School and Hayesdown First School all visited the mobile classroom provided by mydentist on Rodden Road.
Mydentist practice manager Helen Chamberlain said, “We’ve been overwhelmed by the response our mobile dental classroom has received from schools, especially here in Frome.
“Statistics show that 30% of children didn’t see an NHS dentist between 2012 and 2014 and dental issues continue to be the main reason for children being admitted into hospital.
“Our aim is to change this trend by raising awareness of the free dental care which is available to children on the NHS, including fluoride varnish which should be applied to children’s teeth twice a year from the age of three, and also by showing children that looking after your teeth is not only really important, but it can also be fun.”
Recent research has shown one in five children in the south west have tooth decay. 21% of five-year-olds have experienced dental decay, having one or more teeth that are decayed to extracted or filled because of cavities.
Mydentist’s mobile dental classroom is travelling the country visiting schools to educate more children on the benefits of looking after their teeth and how to do it.
Helen continued, “On average after we visit a school with our mobile dental classroom, appointments with children increase by 18 per cent.”
During the visit pupils got the opportunity to identify which food and drinks were good for their oral health and which were not. Research by mydentist recently revealed that 20% of parents believe fruit smoothies are good for their children’s teeth, despite most containing high levels of sugar as well as acid.
For more information on the free dental care available to children in Frome or to arrange a school visit contact the mydentist practice on 32 Rodden Road, call 01373 464421, or visit www.mydentist.co.uk
