Rates Of Dental Decay Fall In Scotland

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The latest figures show that rates of dental decay have fallen in Scotland; statistics from ISD Scotland showed that almost 75 per cent of children in primary seven had no signs of decay.

The figure has increased to 72.8 per cent in 2012 from 52.9% in 2005 and 69.4% in 2011. This was also the first year that the target figure of 60 per cent was reached for children living in deprived areas.

The figures also revealed that the average number of decayed teeth fell from 1.29 in 2005 to 0.6 in 2013.

In response to the figures, public health minister, Michael Matheson, said that he was “delighted” to see that standards of oral health have continued to improve in Scotland and thanked parents, teachers and dental professionals for their hard work and commitment to the shared goal of reducing rates of dental decay.

Mr Matheson said that it was particularly encouraging to see that the targets were reached for the first time in deprived areas of the country.

One of the major contributors to the positive figures is the Childsmile programme, which was rolled out in 2011 with the aim of encouraging good oral hygiene habits and educating children and parents about oral health. Every child is given a pack which contains toothpaste and a toothbrush and most children are invited to have fluoride varnish treatment, which helps to protect the teeth.

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