Children’s dental health improving, PHE says

According to the latest figures released by Public Health England (PHE), the number of five-year-olds suffering from tooth decay has dropped to its lowest level since 2008.

The data show that since 2008, where nearly a third of five-year-olds in England suffered from tooth decay, the incidence has dropped to a quarter.

However, health experts have maintained that more steps must be taken to encourage youngsters to look after their teeth, including regular trips to the dentist.

Currently, around 166,467 five-year-olds suffer from tooth decay. While there has been a national improvement in the numbers of children suffering from tooth decay, experts say there is still a great deal of regional variation, with high rates persisting in the North West of England.

Dr Sandra White, director of dental public health at PHE, said: "Our faces are quite a mirror to us, and when you smile with a nice smile it makes a big difference when we start school. Parents have a key role in this. They need to watch what their children are eating and particularly drinking. It would be wonderful if everybody gave their children water and low fat milks.”

Event Diary

This story was first published in digitalhealth.net

Supplier Profiles

CDC success at Victoria Infirmary, Northwich creates ideal model for future patient pathway reforms

Northwich’s Victoria Infirmary (VIN) Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) has enabled more patients

Gain valuable insight with Adveco for gas to electric decarbonisation projects

Adveco, the commercial hot water specialist, announces the launch of live metering of domestic ho