In Swindon, families from underserved communities are receiving guidance on good oral hygiene habits from dental specialists. A new council project aims to lower the number of tooth extractions, especially among children under five years old. This age group is nearly three times more likely to have teeth removed compared to their peers in the southwest region.
With a national shortage of NHS dental appointments, the Swindon council emphasized that raising oral health awareness is “more important than ever” to prevent dental diseases.
Addressing Disparities in Oral Health
The initiative targets the high rates of tooth extractions in Swindon, focusing on addressing disparities in oral health outcomes among underserved groups. These include families facing poverty and homelessness, as well as migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking families. The project also supports children with special needs and those from South Asian communities.
As part of the program, families learn effective oral hygiene practices and receive toothbrushing kits. High-risk families are referred to dental access centers for urgent care.
This initiative, known as the Early Years Oral Health Inequalities project, is a collaboration with dental nurses from the Great Western Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
Personal Stories from Participants
Zlata, a 12-year-old Ukrainian refugee, attended a session with her family. She shared her experience: “I learned a lot. We’re trying to find a dentist but we can’t find one. I had a problem with my teeth and went to Ukraine with my mum and brother. They fixed my teeth completely.”
Fareen Mohammed arrived from Sri Lanka with her two sons. She expressed her gratitude, saying, “I haven’t taken my kids to a dentist before. Today I learned a lot, and my children understand they have to take care of their own teeth. We have a form with a QR code that makes it easy to register for support. Thank you so much.”
Importance of Oral Health in Swindon
Steve Maddern, Swindon Borough Council’s Director for Public Health, acknowledged that oral health in the town is not great. He noted that while the town’s diversity is “wonderful,” there are significant challenges among migrant families.
“This initiative is part of Swindon Borough Council’s commitment to build a fairer Swindon,” Mr. Maddern stated. “Tackling oral health is a key part of our program. Access to dentistry is a national issue, which is why oral health is more important than ever to prevent disease.”
He expressed hope that these efforts would lead to a reduction in tooth extractions among children under five years old.
Reaching The Community
So far, the initiative has reached more than 200 local parents and children from various community groups. The council plans to expand its reach to more locations in the coming months.
By focusing on education and providing resources, this project aims to improve oral health outcomes for some of the most vulnerable families in Swindon. The goal is not only to reduce tooth extractions but also to instill lifelong habits that promote better dental health.
Conclusion
The Swindon Borough Council’s initiative highlights the importance of addressing oral health disparities in underserved communities. By teaching families about proper dental care and providing necessary resources, they aim to improve overall health outcomes for children and reduce the need for tooth extractions.
As this project continues to grow, it represents a significant step toward ensuring that all children in Swindon have access to quality dental care and education about maintaining their oral health.
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