Tooth Decay Affects More Than 10% Of 3 Year Olds, Survey Confirms
A new survey has confirmed that more than 10 per cent of England’s 3 year olds have tooth decay.
Research carried out by Public Health England revealed that 12 per cent of 3 year olds had signs of dental decay. The survey involved around 54,000 children at nurseries, playgroups and community children’s centres around the country. Of these children, the average child had 3 teeth that were decayed, filled or missing.
The research also highlighted significant regional variations, with figures as high as 34 per cent in Leicester, compared to just 2 per cent in some areas of the country.
Researchers from Public Health England also confirmed that many children were affected by early childhood caries, a form of decay, which is thought to be linked to the increased consumption of sugary drinks in baby cups and bottles. Early childhood caries usually begins in the front teeth and then spreads to other teeth rapidly.
In response to the findings, Public Health England has urged parents to avoid giving children sugary drinks and wean them off baby bottles after they reach the age of 12 months old. Parents have also been advised to start brushing from when their child develops their first tooth and to supervise teeth cleaning until children are around 7 years old.
Director of dental public health at Public Health England, Sandra White, said that there have been marked improvements in oral health standards; however, there are still many children out there suffering from a disease, which is preventable in the vast majority of cases.
Dr Christopher Allen, from the British Dental Association, added that giving children sugary drinks during the day and at bed time in a bottle or a tipping cup, is contributing to high levels of decay among young children.
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