The Children’s Centre is teaming up with the Department of Health to promote dental care during National Smile Month. It runs from May 15 to June 15 and is a campaign being run by the UK’s leading independent oral health charity, the British Dental Health Foundation. Here in the Isle of Man the campaign is being supported by Danni Mottram, Healthier Outcomes Worker at The Children’s Centre, and Community Dental Nurse Patricia Newson. They will both be visiting pre-school groups across the Island to make sure children are aware of the benefits of brushing their teeth and how calcium in their diet can improve dental health. During these visits every pre-school child will receive a free toothbrush provided by the Department of Health and some free cheese provided by Isle of Man Creamery. Danni Mottram said: “During each session with the pre-school children we will talk to them about the benefits of eating foods rich in calcium which is important in the development of healthy teeth. We will also show them how to brush their teeth properly and explain the importance of brushing in maintaining healthy teeth.” During the National Smile Month sessions children will also learn how using a fluoride toothpaste can prevent decay and that the main cause of decay is not the amount of sugar and acid in their diet but how often sugary and acidic food and drinks are consumed. Children will be encouraged to swap sugary drinks for no sugar alternatives. Danni and Patricia will also use a cuddly toy hippo called Flossie and a giant toothbrush to show children how they should clean their teeth. In 2008/2009 the Isle of Man took part in a dental survey jointly co-ordinated by the North West Public Health Observatory, the Dental Observatory, the Department of Health in England and the British Association for the Study of Community Dentistry. The survey showed that in England 33.4% of 12-year-olds had experienced tooth decay compared to 38.6% in the Isle of Man. Surveys have also shown that more than 50 per cent of the Island’s five-year-olds have tooth decay. Community Dental Nurse Patricia Newson said: “I am very pleased that this year The Children’s Centre is supporting National Smile Month. It is well known that dental health in children on the Isle of Man is poor, amongst all ages surveyed. However, we realise how important it is for all sectors of our community to work together to improve dental health and the contribution being made by the Children’s Centre is extremely valuable.” Below is a list of pre-school groups to be visited: May 16 - Ballasalla; May 17 - Peel Clothworkers; May 18 - St Johns and Foxdale; May 19 - Auldyn; May 20 - Bride and Jurby; May 31 - Victoria Road; June 1 - Anagh Coar and Manor Park; June 2 - Anagh Coar and St Thomas’s; June 13 - Ballacottier; June 14 - Cronk y Berry and Willaston; June 15 - Ashley Hill. There will also be visits to Vallajeelt and Onchan pre-school groups on dates yet to be confirmed. - ENDS -