New Report Shows Slight Improvement in Children’s Oral Health in Scotland
A new report has revealed a slight improvement in children’s oral health in Scotland; figures for 2013/2014 show a 1% increase in the proportion of children free from signs of decay from 2012/2013.
The findings of the National Dental Inspection Programme report show that rates of decay continue to fall among Scotland’s children; however, there are still significant variations between rates in different parts of the country.
The report targeted children in P1 and more than 16,000 children were involved; this equates to almost 30% of the population of children in P1 in Scotland.
The report confirmed that rates of decay are in decline in Scotland, with up to 83 per cent of children showing no signs of dental decay in some areas; however, there are considerable differences between affluent areas and deprived areas and the report highlights the need for greater equality. Between the best and worst areas studies in the report, there was a difference of 30 per cent, emphasising the contrasting standards of oral health.
Despite the fact that the national average surpasses the target of 60 per cent, in deprived areas, figures are as low as 53 per cent and therefore more needs to be done to bring rates up in these areas and ensure every child has the opportunity to enjoy good oral health.
Michael Matheson, public health minister, said that the report brings good news in the form of declining rates of decay, but outlines the difference between wealthy and poor areas and the government will continue to invest in children’s oral health to ensure these gaps are closed.
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