New Study Reveals a Fifth of Children Have Dental Treatment Before the Age of 5
A new study has revealed that a fifth of British children require dental treatment before they reach the age of 5 years old.
The study, which was conducted by Oasis Dental Care, showed that of the children who undergo treatment before the age of 5, 37 percent require a filling, 26 percent need a new crown and 35 percent require treatment for gum disease.
The aim of the research was to highlight problems related to brushing and oral hygiene habits among children aged between 2 and 11 years old.
20 percent of children only brush once a day, while 26 percent go a day without brushing their teeth at least once a week.
The findings come as David Cameron faces new calls to introduce a sugar tax as a means of tackling obesity and poor dental health. Health experts and campaigners are calling for a tax on fizzy drinks and other sugary products to discourage people from consuming them and encouraging healthier lifestyle choices. The new measure would make more funds available for health spending and improved health education.
According to the Oasis Dental Care survey, only 57 percent of parents said that their child brushed their teeth twice a day.
Dentist Eddy Coyle, head of clinical services at Oasis Dental, said that the findings highlight important concerns, including a lack of education and a widespread lack of knowledge related to how and when to brush.
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