Children at every primary school on the Isle of Man will receive a treatment to help prevent tooth decay from January, the government has announced.
Under the Smile of Mann programme, Isle of Man Public Health will apply fluoride varnish to all primary school children twice a year. The initiative aims to reduce childhood cavities and improve long-term oral health.
The move follows the publication of the Children’s Oral Health report earlier this year, which found higher rates of tooth decay among under-fives on the island compared with the UK.
David Ashford, Minister for the Cabinet Office, said the programme used “tried and tested” methods, including fluoride varnish, supervised toothbrushing and regular dental surveys, to tackle dental disease in children.
Smile of Mann already includes daily supervised toothbrushing for five-year-olds in schools and early years settings, along with twice-yearly fluoride varnish applications. In March, the scheme was expanded to cover children from Reception through Year Six.
Ashford said similar schemes, such as Scotland’s Childsmile programme, had reduced the need for fillings by offering free toothbrushes, toothpaste and regular fluoride treatments. “We hope to see a similar improvement here in years to come,” he said.
At the start of the spring term, parents and carers will receive electronic consent forms, which must be completed before children can take part.
Professor Ross Keat of Public Health Isle of Man said the treatment was one part of a wider effort to remove barriers caused by tooth decay, including pain and missed school days.
The fluoride varnish is brushed directly onto teeth by qualified dental nurses in schools. The process takes about five minutes, after which the varnish hardens and gradually releases fluoride into the enamel.
The government said the free programme was designed to make oral healthcare simple and accessible for every child.