Children’s oral health continues to improve in Scotland

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New figures have revealed that the proportion of children free from signs of dental decay in Scotland has hit a record high. 

The latest statistics from NHS Scotland suggest that 80% of children in P7 had no visible signs of decay in their adult teeth. The 2019 figure represents a significant increase from 53% in 2005. 

Despite the positive news and obvious improvements in children’s oral health all over Scotland, there are still gaps between poorer and more affluent areas. Although there has been additional investment in initiatives across the country, which has undoubtedly brought widespread benefits, children living in deprived areas are still more likely to develop tooth decay than their counterparts based in wealthier towns and cities. 

Joe Fitzpatrick, public health minister, stated that the figures show a promising improvement in dental health, but added that more still needs to be done to close the gaps between poorer and wealthier communities. Inequalities have become less noticeable, but the aim is to eradicate them completely. The Childsmile programme, which has been credited with revolutionising children’s oral health in Scotland, has been expanded with a view to making gaps even narrower. As part of revised measures, children in deprived parts of the country will now have access to free fluoride varnish treatments provided at their school or nursery. 

The most recent figures show that 69.5% of children living in the most deprived areas of Scotland were free from decay, compared to 88.1% of children residing in more affluent areas.

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