Who is responsible for taking care of children’s teeth?

Exactly Germanshepherdsmum there is so much information in the public domain regarding sugary drink, sweets etc. and teeth (and obesity)

Ilovecheese

So we don't help neglected children then? Just leave them to it.

Who has said that?

I agree NotSpaghetti and greenlady that genetics can come into it.
I was born in the fifties and my mother was somewhat lax over teeth cleaning. I also was part of that unfortunate generation where the dentist was paid for every filling, and despite having no pain, my dentist relentlessly drilled and filled every time I went, and did the same to my sister too. In fact I’ve spoken to many people in the same age group who had the same experience.
Now dentists wouldn’t dream of filling good teeth just for money.
My horrible experience was what made determined that my children would not be subjected to that treatment and that’s why I was religious almost about teeth brushing and low sugar. It worked, and my children were the beneficiaries of my decision.

So we don't help neglected children then? Just leave them to it.

I am not a fan of the nanny state

Parents are the first line of care for their children, teeth included.

Dentists negotiated their contracts with Government in 2006, the current government added clauses to try and address the problems which have resulted in so many dentists refusing to take NHS patients in 2021.

More dentist need to open their books for NHS patients as opposed to concentrating on cosmetic procedures for both teeth and faces.

(Our dental practice and many others that I know of are now marketing as Dental and Cosmetic Aesthetics Clinics )

Exactly. And those of us who ensured our children brushed their teeth properly and who limited their access to sugary food and drink are not ‘paragons of virtue’ - we just did what all parents should do. Failing to look after your children’s dental health is neglect.

the dental service only treats when the problem has already occurred... no maddyone - a good dental service also instructs and educates.

Luckygirl3

Such paragons of virtue on Gransnet!!
Are we not to help those children whose parents might not quite live up to this!?

I didn’t say we shouldn’t treat or help children with rotten teeth!!!
I said parents should be responsible and ensure teeth are cleaned and restrict sugar!
Do you disagree with that?

Prosecute the parents?

I already said I think the provision of a proper dental service is part of a civilised society, but the dental service only treats when the problem has already occurred.
When I was teaching (and I’ve been retired 12 years now) I regularly saw young children with whole rows of black teeth, and regularly was told by parents that children were going to the dentist to have several rotten teeth removed.
Who would want to subject their child to this? Just clean their teeth!

I'd like to point out that while tooth care by parents is important, there is also a genetic aspect to tooth and gum health. Its like having thick hair into old age, you have to choose the right parents.

Luckygirl3

Such paragons of virtue on Gransnet!!
Are we not to help those children whose parents might not quite live up to this!?

You beat me to it !

maddyone - you may just have been lucky with your children's teeth.

I was one of only a handful of children using fluoride in the 1950s/60s and even 70s because my dentist was my father's best friend and I had very thin enamel.
I have looked after my teeth all my life and have had plenty of necessary dental work done!!

My husband totally neglected his teeth - he was at boarding school from a young age and supervision was minimal. He has lovely teeth and had his first filling in his fifties I think - might even have been his 60s (he has always brushed them to be fair).

Our children now mainly in their 40s are a "mixed bag" 3 have perfect teeth, one has teeth like mine 😟 and one has something in between.
We were religious with dental hygiene/brushing/visits to the dentist.

Sometime you are just stuck with what you inherent.

That said, plenty of parents don't realise that you need to do the brushing for The child until they are quite old. My dentist says they ate generally reliable from about age 8 - but still need "checking"

Such paragons of virtue on Gransnet!!
Are we not to help those children whose parents might not quite live up to this!?

Ilovecheese

So the teeth of some children should just be allowed to rot if the parents do not do as you did? We as a society should do nothing?

Don’t you think it’s a major problem that the biggest reason young children go into hospital is to have rotten teeth removed?

If the parents don’t care ?

It’s down to the parents to ensure that teeth are brushed properly and at the proper times, and to restrict sugary food and drink. A dentist can’t prevent tooth decay, he can only treat it when it’s happened. My son is almost 40 and has never had a filling.

So the teeth of some children should just be allowed to rot if the parents do not do as you did? We as a society should do nothing?

I agree maddyone - it's the responsibility of the parents.

If parents ensure proper teeth cleaning and restrict the amount of sugar consumed, tooth decay is rare. I know this because this is what I did with my children. They were not allowed sweets except at Easter or Christmas and other rare occasions.
Whilst I think the provision of proper dental care is part of a civilised society, I do not think that the proper care of children’s teeth is the remit of government. It is solely the responsibility of parents.

Let us give parents the benefit of he doubt here. If there were proper preventive dentistry available to chidlren, then parents would get feedback and sound advice following a dental checkup - as things stand there are no dental checkups for children at which this can happen. Some of my GC cannot get onto a dentist's list either privately or NHS - just zilch available.