Wide variation in dental decay among 3 year olds
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- Published: Sunday, 29 November -0001 23:58
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A new survey by Public Health England (PHE) shows that 12% of 3 year olds have visible tooth decay. Although the large majority of children (88%) are free from decay, there was wide variation from 2% - 34%. Dr Sandra White, Director of Dental Public Health at PHE, said: “Tooth decay is an entirely preventable disease, which can be very painful and even result in a child having teeth removed under general anaesthetic, which is stressful for children and parents alike.”
Dr White continued: “While there have been significant improvements to the nation’s oral health, some areas still experience problems with tooth decay among young children. Thankfully, tooth decay in children can be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle; by parents and carers reducing the amount of sugary foods and drinks they give their children and supporting them to brush their teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, especially just before bedtime. It is also important to take your child to the dentist, which is free of charge for children, as the dentist will be able to advise you about how to keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy.”
The first national survey of the oral health of three year old children in England has shown that 12% of 3 year olds, examined in their nursery, children’s centre or playgroup, suffered from visible tooth decay. The survey, published by Public Health England (PHE), found that those children affected had an average of 3 decayed teeth due to the disease.
According to the survey, there was a dramatic variation of tooth decay prevalence ranging from 2% to 34% across the country. However the large majority of children (88%) in this age group have no decay at all. This reflects trends of significant improvements in dental health since the introduction of fluoride toothpaste in 1976.
Tooth decay is caused by consuming too many sugary foods and drinks too often. Unless this lifestyle issue is addressed, there is a much higher risk of further tooth decay in permanent adult teeth and throughout later life. It can be prevented by eating a healthy balanced diet which limits the amount of foods and drinks high in sugar, and also by brushing teeth for two minutes twice a day, once before bed, using fluoride toothpaste.
In some cases a particular type of decay called ‘Early Childhood Caries’ was found by the survey. This affects the upper front teeth spreading rapidly to other teeth and is related to the consumption of sugary drinks in baby bottles or sipping cups. There is a much higher risk of tooth decay if sugary drinks are given to children so they should be avoided. Breast feeding provides the best nutrition for babies and the best drinks for young children aged 1 to 2 are full fat milk and water and from 2 years old, semi-skimmed milk and water as long as they are a good eater.
This is the first time a survey of this age group has been carried out nationally so the findings form a baseline from which PHE can continue to collect data. This will enable us to monitor trends and target resource appropriately to help local authorities tackle tooth decay in children.
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