Tooth Decay Prevalent in Quarter of Kids Below the Age of 5 in England

A new study conducted by researchers at Public Health England has found that more than a quarter of five-year-olds in England have signs of tooth decay. The researchers analyzed the results of more than 133,000 dental examinations in the country, which covered around 21 percent of five-year olds. The researchers found that around 27 percent of children showed signs of tooth decay, though the number was down from 30 percent in 2008.

According to the British Dental Association (BDA), people from deprived areas had greater number of children with tooth decay with the figures ranging from 34.8 percent in the north-west compared to 21.2 percent in south-east. Brighton and Hove had the lowest number, 12.5 percent, of five-year olds with tooth decay compared to 53.2 percent in Leicester.

“This latest survey shows the numbers of five-year-olds free from tooth decay have improved but there is still much to do, dental decay is preventable. Parents should brush their children's teeth for at least two minutes twice a day, once just before bedtime and at least one other time during the day”, the director of health and well-being at Public Health England, Prof Kevin Fenton said.

Source-Medindia