Daily roundup 1 March: Teeth, snow, and fish oil

Parents are putting their children's teeth at risk by taking them to the pharmacy instead of the dentist, a study has found. The Telegraph reports that research on 1,000 pharmacies found that two in three parents seeking pain medications for children were doing so to relieve toothaches and mouth ulcers. Just 30 per cent had tried visiting a dentist first, the study found. Researchers said children's teeth was being put at risk by parents taking them to the wrong place for help to relieve symptoms, when the cause of tooth pain required investigation.


A head teacher has urged parents to take advantage of the weather conditions by keeping their children home from school and enjoying the snow instead. The Independent reports that although Reigate Grammar School in Surrey is still open, head teacher Shaun Fenton sent out an email to parents emphasising the importance of making lasting memories with their children. Parents have been assured that their children won't be marked absent if they miss school, with Fenton remarking that those who decide to keep their children home ought to be "congratulated".