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Panorama. Britain's Child Health Crisis.

(34 Posts)
Sarnia Thu 18-Jul-24 09:32:51

A thought provoking programme highlighting the shocking state of children's dental health in the UK. It is the main reason why children are taken to A&E, which to me is a shocking statistic. 14 years of Tory Government just sat back and watched NHS dentistry hit rock bottom. However, what annoyed me as much as the Government's mismanagement were the parents of some of these children. So many of them did not have a toothbrush at home so never cleaned their teeth. Early years education staff are spending time showing children how to use a toothbrush. I feel for these teachers and their assistants who not only have to deal with an ever increasing number of children who are still in nappies and cannot use a knife and fork and are now adding dental care to their workload.

Caleo Thu 18-Jul-24 12:21:38

Parenting should be a normal part of every school curriculum at least at primary school level.

Calendargirl Thu 18-Jul-24 12:22:40

Anniebach

Parents cannot be made to teach their children to brush their teeth,

More’s the pity.

SusieB50 Thu 18-Jul-24 14:01:48

Sure start were good at this ! Community dental nurses did fun sessions with parents and children in the Sure Starts when I was working.Lets hope we begin to get back to having something similar.

GrannyGravy13 Thu 18-Jul-24 14:25:11

SusieB50

Sure start were good at this ! Community dental nurses did fun sessions with parents and children in the Sure Starts when I was working.Lets hope we begin to get back to having something similar.

There are still 2,204 Sure Start Centres in England.

The one local to me is in danger of closing due to lack of use

Kate1949 Thu 18-Jul-24 14:34:41

Parents have no idea what they are doing to their children when they neglect their teeth. I will never forgive mine. There is no excuse.

Mollygo Thu 18-Jul-24 14:44:18

GrannyGravy13
The one near us closed for the same reason.
There are lots of groups in our area to support parents and children, from baby and toddler, children with various SEND, school anxiety, etc.
I despair that parents don’t know about cleaning teeth, their own or their children’s.
It’s a form of neglect.

GrannyGravy13 Thu 18-Jul-24 14:46:42

Kate1949

Parents have no idea what they are doing to their children when they neglect their teeth. I will never forgive mine. There is no excuse.

👏👏👏

Kate1949 Thu 18-Jul-24 14:46:45

Neglect and abuse. Taking an 11 year old child to a dentist and allowing him to take all their teeth out when there was no need is child abuse.