Brent has the biggest drop in child tooth decay in London
The number of young children with tooth decay has decreased the most in Brent - Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Brent has seen the biggest drop in London for young children with tooth decay following the introduction of a scheme to highlight the importance of oral health.
There has been a 15.1 per cent decrease in the number of five-year-olds with rotting teeth since 2012, according to figures released today.
The data has been published by Public Health England as part of an Oral Health Survey.
Last year Brent Council rolled out the pilot scheme after shocking figures showed 20 per cent of three-year-olds who were examined in their nursery, children’s centre or playgroup in Brent had visible signs of tooth decay.
This is six per cent above the London average.
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In some cases youngsters were found to have a particular type of tooth decay called ‘Early Childhood Caries’ which can be caused by them being given sugary drinks in baby bottles or sipping cups.
It was also revealed in 2014 that the most common cause of non-urgent admission to hospital for children in Brent was tooth decay.
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The council-led scheme called ‘Now You Have Teeth’ project, sees newly qualified dentists provide free advice to parents on the correct ways to brush their children’s teeth and the importance of their diets
The project aims to get young children into the habit of visiting a dentist regularly.
The council also introduced a ‘Slash Sugar’ campaign which warns of the damage sugary foods and drink can do.
Cllr Krupesh Hirani, Brent Council’s cabinet member for adults, health and wellbeing, said: “Tooth decay is entirely preventable but the reality is that one in four five-year-olds have tooth decay in London.
“This is why it is so important that we work with all partners and the public to improve child oral health in Brent.”
He added: “Although the large decrease is really promising, we know that there is still much to be done.
“We will keep working hard to educate children and their parents about preventative measures and healthy lifestyle choices to try and reduce rates of decay even further.”
