Events and activities were held throughout Rotherham recently, aimed at offering support and guidance to families on oral health issues. These initiatives were organized as part of the National Smile Month campaign by the Oral Health Foundation charity. The efforts were prompted by concerning statistics indicating that 29% of children in South Yorkshire develop tooth decay by the age of five, compared to 24% across England.
The events took place at various locations including schools, health centers, and community hubs such as Rotherham Hospital and the Riverside building’s library/cafe area. Coffee mornings were also hosted in Eastwood, engaging local residents in discussions about dental care.
Leiann Musgrave, oral health improvement lead at Rotherham Children’s Public Health Nursing Service, emphasized their involvement in National Smile Month activities, which spanned from May to June. Promotion efforts on platforms like the 0-19 Family Hub and Facebook aimed to raise awareness, garnering positive feedback from the community. Musgrave highlighted the goal of supporting families with oral health issues, from finding suitable dental care to promoting healthy diets.
Margaret Naylor, chair of the South Yorkshire Local Dental Network, underscored the importance of fun activities and educational sessions during National Smile Month to boost awareness and advocate for good oral hygiene practices.
Anthony Fitzgerald, executive director lead for Primary Care at NHS South Yorkshire, praised the local initiatives across South Yorkshire during National Smile Month. He stressed the significance of oral health improvement programs in delivering crucial messages and support to communities through various service channels.
The events aimed to encourage local residents to prioritize dental care and maintain good oral health habits, reflecting a concerted effort to address oral health challenges in the region.
