Urgent action needed on widening dental health gap in children

17 February 2010

Prevention of dental decay in under-fives living in deprived areas should be an urgent priority, says the British Dental Health Foundation in response to a new report into children’s health.

Figures produced by the Audit Commission have highlighted an increasing gap in healthcare between children living in disadvantaged communities compared to the rest of the population. Over 150,000 more children have decayed, missing and filled teeth in deprived areas compared with the rest of the country, a gap which has increased dramatically over the last ten years.

It was determined that children living in these areas are 54 per cent more likely to live in workless households and face poorer health conditions than under-fives living in less deprived areas. One in five of these children have been judged to have poor dental health.

Evidence clearly shows establishing good oral health during a child’s early years may play a vital role in regards to better health in later life, with diminished levels of heart disease, strokes and diabetes. The report also demonstrates that children from minority groups have poorer health levels, with their parents less likely to take advantage of mainstream health services due to lack of awareness or cultural preferences.

Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter said:

"Dental disease is the most common preventable childhood disease and good education at an early age can have a significant impact.

"Parents are very much responsible for helping their children to develop a good oral health routine and ensure regular visits to the dentist."

Dentists should encourage parents to bring young children for dental examination soon after the first teeth erupt and as often as recommended.