Dental caries, or tooth decay, is a preventable condition that affects millions of people in the UK, particularly in areas of higher deprivation. Despite a reduction in overall prevalence, pockets of high disease rates remain, particularly among children. In England, up to 50% of 5-year-olds suffer from dental decay, leading to school absences, sleepless nights, and in many cases, the need for dental extractions under general anesthesia. The impact of tooth decay on children can have lifelong consequences, affecting their health, well-being, and education.

Preventing dental caries involves promoting good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and limiting sugar consumption. These behaviors can significantly reduce the risk of decay. Shaping positive oral hygiene habits from an early age is crucial to ensure healthy teeth and a lifetime of good oral health. The importance of early intervention has been recognized by health policymakers, with the government’s Health Mission now incorporating a Dentistry Rescue Plan that aims to introduce supervised tooth-brushing programs for 3-5-year-olds, prioritizing areas with the highest need.

One of the key projects from the University, the BRIC (Bedtime Routines Intervention for Children), focused on working with parents to develop a text message-based intervention that promoted good bedtime routines, including brushing teeth and reducing sugar intake before bed. This intervention led to a 16% increase in children brushing their teeth more frequently at night and a 24% reduction in sugary snacks and drinks before bedtime. Additionally, the study showed improvements in family functioning and reduced mood disturbances around bedtime.

Another successful initiative, the Leapfrog program, involved primary school children in areas with high rates of dental decay. Through activities that encouraged brushing habits, provision of toothbrushes, and text message support for families, the program resulted in more children brushing their teeth twice a day. The program demonstrated the crucial role that schools can play in promoting oral health and supporting families in maintaining good hygiene practices.

The third project, HeRo (Healthy Routines, Healthy Teeth), is an ongoing community-based intervention aimed at newborns in underserved areas. The program provides oral hygiene packs and behavior change techniques to encourage healthy oral habits from a very early age.

These projects emphasize several key principles for tackling tooth decay and improving oral health in children. First, the researchers stress the importance of co-developing interventions with the target populations from the outset, ensuring that the strategies are relevant and tailored to local and personal circumstances. A one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to be effective. Second, they highlight the need for evidence-based, theory-informed approaches to behavior change, with an understanding that establishing new habits takes time and requires sustained effort and funding. Third, while technology can support behavior change, it must be used thoughtfully, with clear goals and strategies in place. Lastly, the researchers advocate for school-based programs that are easy for teachers to implement and that incorporate social activities, such as class-based initiatives, to make oral health promotion engaging for students.

These research findings reinforce the importance of a holistic approach to tackling tooth decay in children. By prioritizing oral health within families, schools, and communities, and using evidence-based interventions, we can create lasting improvements in children’s dental health, helping to reduce the impact of dental decay and its long-term consequences.

Reference:

1. The University of Manchester: Brushing up on oral health: how can health policy prevent tooth decay in children?

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Dr. Sruthi Suresh/MSM)