Top doctor says this simple measure could help combat Blackpool's dental crisis

Figures show almost a third of five-year-olds in Blackpool suffer from tooth decay, while less than a third of Blackpool’s children were seen by an NHS dentist in 2021 compared to more than 40 per cent across England. NHS figures also show in 2022 only 35 per cent of adults in Blackpool received NHS dental care.

Blackpool's director of public health Dr Arif Rajpura told a meeting of the town's Health and Wellbeing Board that lobbying for fluoridation of the water was an important step.

He said: "We don't have fluoride in our water although we do have it in school milk. But ultimately we would like a water fluoridation scheme and it is important to keep lobbying around that."

Since 2016 all Blackpool primary school children in years one to six have been able to have fluoridated milk, as part of the school breakfast scheme.

According to the NHS website, many areas of England already have fluoride in the water including Cumbria and it has been "found that water fluoridation appears to contribute to reduced tooth decay levels and doesn't seem to be associated with any significant health risks".

Dr Rajpura also welcomed announcements in the King's Speech which could help improve dental health. He said: "I really welcome the banning of junk food advertising to children and also measures on smoking and vaping.

"Initial evidence is showing the sugar tax on soft drinks is working and there is a reduction in tooth extractions. We need more policies like this, such as a ban on buy one, get one free promotions."

His comments came as the Health and Wellbeing Board approved the council's latest Oral Health Strategy up to 2028. Although the local authority does not commission services, it must take steps through public health to help improve dental health.

Aims of the strategy include -

• Promote and protect oral health by improving diet and reducing consumption of sugary food and drinks, alcohol and tobacco
• Improve oral hygiene including with supervised tooth brushing for children
• Increase the availability of fluoride
• Lobby for water fluoridation
• Encourage people to go to the dentist regularly
• Increase access to NHS dental services