John Penrose

Conservative Party | Weston-super-Mare

MP Exposes Problems of Tooth Decay

Weston-super-Mare MP John Penrose has highlighted the problems of tooth decay among children aged five and under in North Somerset.

Quizzing Health Minister Rosie Winterton in Parliament this week (Tuesday 26th June 2007), Mr Penrose said:

“The Minister may not be aware that the incidence of tooth decay among under-fives in my constituency is above the national average. What specific measures is she taking to ensure that some of the resources that she has described this afternoon will be targeted on the dental health of that important group?”

The Minister responded:

“We have introduced a number of initiatives, such as Brushing for Life, which works through schools. It is about teaching young children how important it is for them to keep brushing their teeth, using fluoride toothpaste. There are a number of public health initiatives that have been very successful. Obviously, local authorities and PCTs can now consult on the issue of fluoridation, which can in itself be very helpful in improving dental health.”

Speaking after the debate, Mr Penrose said:

“North Somerset has an above average level of decayed, missing and filled teeth in children aged 5 and under.

“Educating youngsters about brushing and good oral hygiene is essential.  But that’s only part of the solution. NHS dental resources need to be allocated to North Somerset. The problems being caused by the dental contracts, which were introduced last year, are coming home to roost.

“Last year I raised the issue directly with former Prime Minister Tony Blair during Prime Minister’s question time (Wednesday 18th January 2006), and I’ve been following up with North Somerset PCT. I’m pleased that any money from dentists that stop offering NHS services will be ring-fenced and ploughed back into other local NHS practices instead.