Agenda item

The Committee considered a report of the Interim Director of Public Health County Durham, Children and Adults Services, Durham County Council that presented the draft Oral Health Strategy for County Durham for consultation (for copy see file of Minutes).

The Public Health Portfolio Lead informed Members that national guidance had made 21 recommendations to improve the oral health of our communities and had been mapped at a high level to see if they were being met.  There was ongoing work around water fluoridation and feedback was awaited from Northumbrian Water around water quality zones.  The consultation process would seek the views of the public and stakeholders across the County.

Councillor Blakey was advised that fluoride varnish was painted on teeth to protect them and was highly effective to help protect children’s teeth.

Councillor Temple had thought that all areas had fluoride in their water and said that it was important to know where it was.  The Chairman advised that it was currently in the Derwentside and Easington areas.

Councillor E Huntington asked if any investigations had taken place to show if it had been effective.  Councillor J Armstrong said that it had been proved to be successful in the Derwentside area however it was recognised that there was still resistance in some areas.

Councillor Brookes referred to the costs a round oral health which was one of the factors that put people off seeking dental care.  The Public Health Portfolio Lead said that studies in access to dental care had highlighted fear and transport costs.  There was a link to deprivation and the diet in these areas saw a high sugar intake.

The Head of Planning and Service Strategy said that the Health and Wellbeing Board had pushed for this strategy and had expressed concern at the inequalities within the County.  For example, 61% of children in Woodhouse Close had experienced decay compared to only 6% in Chester-le-Street.  He felt that it was so important to have this strategy in place as further problems in oral health could affect a person’s education, lifestyle and future prospects.

The Public Health Portfolio Lead advised that the Derwentside area had fluoridated water since the 1960s and the Hartlepool area had naturally fluoridated water.  The rest of the County had a very complex map of reservoirs and pumping stations and had many geographical challenges.   Northumbrian Water had indicated that water fall was not static and depended upon seasons and water levels.  He added that research into fluoridated water had shown that there was less resistance to decay.  The Senior Public Health Specialist commented that there were 45% fewer admission of tooth decay in 1-4 years olds where fluoride was present in the water supply.  He added that scientific evidence had shown that it was safe and cost effective.

Councillor Huntington was pleased to hear the facts and suggested that this information was publicised especially in areas where people had expressed concern.  Councillor Forster added that she had assumed all children were taken to the dentist and asked that information was provided to all families to highlight the importance.

Councillor Armstrong said that it was important to embrace this in a very positive way including the benefits of fluoridation and welcomed the consultation.

The Chairman advised that a further report would be presented to the Health and Wellbeing Board on 17 November 2016 and asked that once the consultation had taken place an action plan be brought back to this committee to show the way forward.

Resolved:-

That the Committee welcomes the production of a Draft Oral Health Strategy for County Durham and those comments made by the Committee in respect of the Strategy be reported back to the Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board.