Fears grow over children’s dental health in Greater Manchester
Dentists are worried that up to half of children in Greater Manchester could have tooth decay as fears grow over deteriorating standards of oral health.
The most recent statistics from 2018/2019 show that over 40% of 5-year-olds in part of the region had visible signs of decay. Rates of decay were highest in Oldham (43.7%) followed by Rochdale (40.7%), Salford (39%) and Manchester (38.3%). The figures were almost double the national average for England, which was 23.4%.
The data from 2018/2019 was alarming but dentists fear that the situation has got worse since the pandemic due to the suspension of dental health programmes and the closure of practices during lockdowns. Routine appointments play a crucial role in preventing dental disease and reducing the risk of cavities in children. Many children have not been able to attend 6-monthly check-ups over the last three years.
At a meeting of Manchester City Council’s health and scrutiny committee on Wednesday February 8th, a report was presented to members highlighting the issue. Oral health among children in the area was described as “particularly poor.”
Within the report, statistics flagged significant differences between rates of decay in Greater Manchester. While numbers were almost double the national average in Oldham, Rochdale, Salford and Manchester, the rate in Trafford was only slightly higher than the average for England (26%) and in Stockport, the figure was lower (22%).
A survey is currently being conducted to provide up-to-date data about children’s oral health in Greater Manchester, with many dentists predicting an increase in the prevalence of decay.
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