Avoid dangerous play to protect kids' teeth, parents told

Thousands of families are potentially unable to access urgent dental services in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

And the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) is urging families to avoid risky play time that could lead to dental traumas.

With all routine dental care halted, the British Dental Association (BDA) says its members have been overwhelmed by requests for urgent treatment for people in pain – but with nowhere to send them.

NHS England is in the process of creating local Urgent Dental Care hubs (UDCs) across the country, but has come under fire for taking too long.

Claire Stevens CBE, a consultant in paediatric dentistry and spokesperson for the BSPD is urging parents to make sure their young children do not take unnecessary risks.

She said: 'I would like to put in a plea to parents and carers to limit play which could potentially lead to a fall or a crash resulting in damage to teeth. We are still seeing cases of dental trauma which is worrying.'