0 Report To Lobby Council For Water Fluoridation In The City Of London

Report - nearly half borough's five-year-olds have rotten teeth

 Tooth decay among young children in the borough is at an 'unacceptable' level, according to a wide-ranging report on oral health.

Almost half (45 per cent) of the borough's five-year-olds were found to have rotting or decaying teeth, way higher than the London average of (33 per cent). Only two other London boroughs have a worse record.

Dental health issues are the main cause of admissions among children at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, costing the NHS more than £350,000 in 2010/11.

The figures came in a report by the newly-formed Children's Oral Health Task Group which has been set-up to tackle the issue.

According to the taskforce, poor dental hygiene is linked to deprivation and a lack of quality health provision and warns having bad teeth can affect a child for the rest of its life.

Nadeev Pooni, dental expert for the central London NHS Trust, said it's vital parents hammer home the importance of good hygiene early.

"When it comes to children's teeth, it's important to set good habits early, as studies have proved that tooth decay is relatively easy to prevent," she said. "Our aim is to raise awareness of the importance of dental care and the importance of starting good habits early."

The report makes a number of recommendations, including to the council to lobby for a public consultation on water fluoridisation.

Studies have shown there is up to a 40 per cent reduction in cavities and decay in areas, such as Birmingham, where fluoride is added to the water system.

There should also be targeted borough-wide awareness campaigns, distribution of dental health packs and the incorporation of mouth screening as part of mandatory overall health check, while shops should be discouraged from displaying sweets and other sugary products near check-outs.

The recommendations are expected to discussed by the council next month and will also be presented to the Primary Care Trust.

Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-and-hammersmith-news/local-fulham-and-hammersmith-news/2011/09/13/report-nearly-half-borough-s-five-year-olds-have-rotten-teeth-82029-29413518/#ixzz1XwGJfIvh

Thankfully currently  "Less than 10% of the population of England and Wales (predominantly people living in the west midlands, north east and north west of England) receive fluoridated water." according to the below>
 http://www.southwestwater.co.uk/media/pdf/t/3/Fluoride.pdf