Annual Report 2024
Every year, the Director of Public Health produces a report which focuses on a key public health issue in Westminster. The aim of the report is to highlight a specific area of concern and make recommendations for change.
The focus of the 2024 annual report is oral health.
You can read a summary below, but for more detail, we encourage you to read the report.
Why oral health?
Oral health is a significant issue in Westminster. Around one in three children at age five in Westminster have experienced tooth decay.
Many factors impact oral health, and the issue does not impact everyone equally.
Having good oral health contributes to our overall health and wellbeing. We can all keep our teeth healthy by simply brushing our teeth twice a day, spitting not rinsing, skipping the sugar and visiting the dentist regularly.
What we are doing locally
As part of the Fairer Westminster plan, we are prioritising integrating oral health promotion into everything we do and the services available to our residents.
There is a wide range of activity across the city focussing on the issues that influence our health, promoting healthy environments, and promoting oral health including the recent expansion in early years settings.
What can I do?
You can:
- ditch the sugar - consuming sugary foods and drinks is the main cause of tooth decay in children
- brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
- visit the dentist - regular dental check-ups are important to spot and address any developing issues as early as possible
Read the report
Case studies
Community and Maternity Champions
Dedicated local volunteer Community and Maternity Champions give their time to bring communities together and support the health and wellbeing of their families, friends, neighbours and the wider community across Westminster.
They work in partnership with services such as in this example with the local NHS Oral Health Promotion Team, offering tips and advice around toothbrushing, oral hygiene and sugar intake.
Oral health through Family Hubs
The local NHS Oral Health Promotion Team works in partnership with Family Hubs, such as the Church Street Family Hub, to educate parents and children about how to care for their teeth.
Working within care homes
We also support care home residents with their oral health. See firsthand the training provided for care home staff and the work of the Community Dental Service at a Westminster Care Home, delivering specialist dental care to meet the needs of care home residents as part of a pilot programme.
