4 Out Of 10 Five Year Olds In Wales Have Decay
Recent figures have revealed that four out of ten five year old children in Wales have signs of tooth decay.
The statistics, which were released by the Welsh government yesterday, show an improvement in rates of decay over the last five years; however, the rates are still high, with 40 per cent of children suffering from decay at the age of five and dental experts have called for more improvements to be made.
The figures were released shortly before a new National Oral Health Plan was launched in Cardiff. The aim of the new programme is to promote preventative dental care as a means of reducing rates of decay and encouraging people to take better care of their teeth and gums.
David Thomas, chief dental officer for Wales, admitted that the figure of 41 per cent was “too high” but said that he was confident that rates would continue to fall in the coming years as a result of better education for children and adults, improved access to dental care and a greater focus on prevention.
Mr Thomas also said that the figures were positive because for the first time, there were no inequalities between children from different socio-economic groups.
The new Oral Health Plan will be rolled out across Wales and it will actively promote oral hygiene and healthy eating and highlighting the importance of good oral health and the link between oral health and general health.
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