News / Children’s teeth in good shape
SHETLAND has the second lowest incidence of dental decay in primary one children in Scotland, according to new figures.
The National Dental Inspection Programme said that 81.9 per cent of Shetland’s primary one children had no obvious tooth decay.
That is the highest percentage ever recorded in the isles, and it is higher than the Scottish average of 71.1 per cent.
The only health board region with a better figure was Orkney with 83.6 per cent.
The survey also found that Shetland primary one schoolchildren had the lowest number of teeth affected by dental decay.
NHS Shetland’ dental director Mr Brian Chittick said the results of the survey were “heartening”.
“This is the result of the great work being undertaken by parents and carers in collaboration with the dental professionals here in Shetland in looking after their young children’s teeth,” he said.
“The oral health promotion team has also been engaged with school establishments to look at healthy eating and providing the support for daily tooth brushing to take place in both the pre and primary school environment.
“This is giving our young population the best start in life and ensuring that good oral hygiene practices are established at the earliest opportunity.
“However we must remember that dental decay is preventable and we must not get complacent. With hard work and working in collaboration with community services, then we hope that the low incidence of dental decay will continue.”
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