Aston Merrygold on our dental worries

More than half of young children in the UK admit they have fibbed to parents about brushing their teeth, according to new research from Bupa Dental Care – showing the daily brushing battles faced by families and the impact rushed routines can have on oral health and dental anxiety.

A nationwide study of 1,000 parents and 1,000 children aged 3-10 found:

• 56% of children admit to fibbing about brushing their teeth
• 41% brush for a minute or less, despite guidance to brush for two minutes, twice a day
• 13% of children feel anxious about visiting the dentist, rising to 22% of parents

In response, Bupa Dental Care has partnered with award-winning author Jennifer Gray and dad of three and JLS singer, Aston Merrygold, to launch a new children’s storybook and audiobook, The Dentist’s Apprentice. Designed to help children understand what happens at the dentist and reduce fear of the unknown.

Aston spoke to JLS singer Aston Merrygold & Dr Neil Sikka, head of dentistry at Bupa Dental Care.

Photo by Alex Padurariu on Unsplash