Liverpool City Council has launched an initiative to tackle tooth decay among the city’s young people. The Sugar Detectives programme, developed to support the council’s Save Kids from Sugar campaign, saw council staff use their volunteer days to educate children about the dangers of tooth decay. Six staff delivered oral health awareness sessions to 15 Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF) groups over the summer, volunteering more than 70 hours over in all. Feedback from the programme suggested increased child awareness of sugar content, changes in shopping habits for parents and a positive impact on toothbrushing habits.
According to recent data, 37.5% of Liverpool five-year-olds have visible tooth decay, and tooth extraction is the most common operation for five to nine-year-olds at Alder Hey hospital. The condition is largely preventable through reductions in sugar intake and the use of fluoride toothpaste. A range of oral health initiatives are currently underway across the city to tackle the issue.
Professor Matthew Ashton, Liverpool’s director of public health, said the programme was “an innovative way of utilising staff volunteer time to deliver public health messages in a fun and engaging way.” Councillor Harry Doyle, the cabinet member for public health, added that the initiative offered “a great way to use our own workforce to support the Save Kids from Sugar campaign.”
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