Blackburn with Darwen's father champion is backing a campaign that urges families to keep their teeth and mouths healthy by visiting their dentist.
The campaign, called Stop the Rot, has been running in the borough for a couple of months now, was started to remind people that there are NHS dentists available in the borough.
Shocking statistics include the borough's young children have, on average, more than two rotten teeth by the age of five.
The campaign recommends parents start taking their children to the dentist from birth and make sure older children have regular check-ups.
Tom Stannard, who has been father's champion for the last couple of years and has two children, : said: "It is really important for parents to get their children into the habit of going to the dentist. Fathers can play a really important role in that.
"I am urging my fellow fathers in Blackburn with Darwen to set an example and make sure their children start going for check-ups from birth.
Dominic Harrison, the borough's joint director of public health, said: “Our dental health statistics speak for themselves. We have amongst the worst teeth in the country. On average, children in the borough have more than two rotten teeth by the age of five
“Stop the rot is a good campaign aimed at getting the message out there about the importance of going to the dentist from the cradle to the grave.
“Prevention is better than the cure so I would urge all families to go the dentist regularly and stop the rot.”
“There are NHS dentists available in the borough. So please call the NHS dental health helpline on 0845 53 33 230.”
For more information, visit www.bwd.nhs.uk
