To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of the long-term impact of the lack of access to an NHS dentist for children.

There is increasing evidence that children who develop problems in their primary teeth may be at increased risk of disease and poor oral health in adolescence and adulthood. Therefore, it is important to identify children who are at risk of tooth decay at an early stage to implement preventative interventions to protect young teeth and establish good habits. Dental attendance can be an important predictor of oral health across the life course.

In addition, untreated tooth decay can cause pain and infections (often requiring the use of multiple courses of antibiotics) that may lead to problems with sleeping, eating, speaking, playing, and learning. Children who have poor oral health often miss more school and this can also impact on work attendance for parents and carers.

Dental attendance in line with NICE guidance regarding risk-based recall intervals can help to support child oral health and reduce the need for more invasive dental interventions.