Yesterday, children at West Didsbury CE Primary School took part in a special storytelling session to help them feel calmer and more confident about visiting the dentist.
Pupils enjoyed a reading of the new children’s storybook The Dentist’s Apprentice by award-winning children’s author Jennifer Gray. The story follows an anxious crocodile through a step-by-step dental visit, helping children feel informed, reassured and in control.
It comes as a Bupa Dental Care study of 1,000 parents and 1,000 children aged three to ten found that 56% of children admit to fibbing about brushing their teeth,41% brush for just a minute or less, despite guidance to brush for two minutes, twice a day
13% of children and 22% of parents say they feel anxious about visiting the dentist
A local dentist from Bupa Dental Care also spoke to pupils about ways to look after their teeth at home and what they can expect during a dental visit.
Fariyal Khan, Dental Hygienist at Bupa Dental Care Sales, said: “We see many families locally who are doing their best at home but still struggling with brushing routines. Tooth decay remains one of the most common reasons young children are admitted to hospital, and rushed brushing or skipped routines can quickly add to poor oral health and anxiety around dental visits.
“Helping children feel calm, prepared and confident, both at home and in the dental chair plays a vital role in building positive habits that protect their long-term oral health.”
Families can download the story and listen via [here].
