Members of the public are invited to have their say on how oral health could be improved across County Durham.
Oral health is important for general health and wellbeing. Poor oral health can affect someone’s ability to eat, speak, smile and socialise normally, for example due to pain or social embarrassment. Tooth decay is the most common oral disease affecting children and young people in England, yet it is largely preventable. While children’s oral health has improved over the last twenty years, almost a third (27.9%) of five year olds still had tooth decay in 2012.
Durham County Council and its partners are now seeking views on the draft oral health strategy which is being developed using guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
Cllr Lucy Hovvels, Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board said: “People living in deprived communities as well as vulnerable groups are more likely to suffer from poor oral health.
This strategy will help us take a targeted approach to help tackle some of the inequalities that exist in this area across County Durham.”
The strategy will be overseen by the County Durham Health and Wellbeing Board with key leaders from the health and care system working together to improve the health and wellbeing of County Durham residents.
The consultation offers the chance for people and groups across the county to have a say on how we can collectively improve the oral health of our communities. The consultation will be available at www.durham.gov.uk/consultation from 1 August for six weeks.
One of the best things to do to protect your oral health is to visit your local dentist and have regular check-ups. For more information about where to find a dentist visit www.nhs.uk