§ 27. Mr. PickthallTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he is taking to improve dental health in those areas where there is the greatest need for improvement. [82643]
§ Mr. LammyIn this session of Parliament the Government propose to legislate for far-reaching reform of national health service dental services which will enable Primary Care Trusts to address local oral health needs and will give primary care dentists the opportunity to focus on prevention and health promotion as well as treatment.
We are seeking to strengthen the evidence base on the fluoridation of water so that health communities wishing to consider this option for reducing dental decay may have fuller information on the effects of fluoride on health. We have also introduced the "Brushing for Life" scheme whereby Health Visitors provide oral health advice to mothers of infants and give them a pack containing a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to encourage the early establishment of good oral hygiene habits. The scheme is supported in areas with the highest rates of tooth decay in children.
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