New data confirms 1 in 5 three-year-olds have decay in Cornwall
New data has confirmed that 1 in 5 three-year-olds have tooth decay in Cornwall.
Statistics from Public Health England suggest that 20.5% of three-year-olds in Cornwall have experienced signs of decay in the last two years. This figure is significantly higher than the national average for England, which is 10.7%.
The rates of decay in Cornwall are among the highest in the country and the latest data outlines a major decline in oral health standards in the last eight years. In 2013, 10.8% of the pre-school children had decay compared to 20.5% in 2020.
The figure for Cornwall is also much higher than the regional average. In the South West, 11.8% of three-year-olds had decay in 2019/2020. Data was analysed from a sample of almost 20,000 children from all over the country.
Dental access issues have long been a problem in Cornwall and low attendance rates are likely to be a contributing factor to high rates of decay. Other common causes of tooth decay in children include poor oral hygiene and a diet that includes a lot of sugary foods and drinks.
Tooth decay is the most common reason children are admitted to hospital for treatment in the UK.
The British Dental Association has reacted to the statistics, claiming that urgent action should be taken to close gaps between different regions. Dentists are calling for improved access to services after the pandemic and pushing for the government to encourage schools to go sugar-free.
