Children to be offered fluoride varnish to tackle tooth decay

Public Health says it could help 130 youngsters a year

Primary school children on the Isle of Man will be offered fluoride varnish applications as part of efforts to improve their oral health.

Public Health claims it could prevent 130 children per year from developing tooth decay.

It also says the programme will reduce the number of youngsters who require general anaesthetic for the removal of decayed teeth.

Deputy Director of Public Health Dr Ross Keat said: “We know that tooth decay is preventable and by delivering effective prevention measures we can make a real difference.

“The recent expansion of the Smile of Mann programme is a key step forward and we are actively exploring additional ways to improve oral health such as offering fluoride varnish to primary school children.

“Implemented properly an expanded preventative programme will lower the need for children to have treatment with a dentist, alongside reducing associated loss of confidence, infection, disrupted sleeping and eating, and absences at school.”

The announcement follows the publication of the Isle of Man's Children's Oral Health Report which showed more than a quarter of five-year-old's surveyed have decayed, missing or filled teeth.

You can read it in full here.