Swindon's dental health issues to be tackled by new project

The council's Swindon Plan identified tooth extractions for children aged five to nine in the town as being 50 per cent more common than in the South West and England as a whole.

The Early Years Oral Health Inequalities Project seeks to prevent a decline in oral health among young children, tackle local health inequalities, and improve overall health outcomes.

Councillor Paul Dixon, cabinet member for children’s social care, said: "Good oral health is fundamental to a child's overall wellbeing, and yet too many children in Swindon are facing preventable dental issues.

The project is working with a range of groups (Image: Swindon Borough Council) "The council is committed to tackling these inequalities by ensuring all children have access to the tools, education, and the support they need to maintain healthy teeth, regardless of their background or circumstances.

"By working closely with community partners, we are making a real difference in improving oral health outcomes for Swindon’s most vulnerable children."

The project particularly targets significant disparities in oral health among children aged one to five from underserved communities, including families experiencing poverty and homelessness, migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking families, as well as children with special needs and those from South Asian communities.

The project focuses on early intervention through targeted oral health education.

It aims to teach families good oral hygiene habits, distribute toothbrushing packs, and direct high-risk families to dental access centres for urgent care.

Harbour project (Image: Swindon Borough Council) The initiative has already reached more than 200 local parents and children across various community groups, with plans to expand to more locations in the coming months.

Lucy McArthur, community dental services clinical director at Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, whose community dental nurses are helping to deliver the project, said: "Maintaining good oral health is very important, as it not only prevents tooth decay and gum disease, but also contributes to overall health and wellbeing.

"We are really pleased to be supporting such an important campaign, which has involved working collaboratively with Swindon Borough Council.

"By targeting specific communities in the local area, we can offer support and guidance to those who might not be registered with a dentist.

“We would like to remind local people of the importance of brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, avoiding frequent sugary drinks and foods, and maintaining regular check-ups to keep your teeth and mouth healthy.”