Twelve percent of three-year-olds in England suffer from visible tooth decay, according to a survey conducted by Public Health England (PHE).

This is the first national survey of the oral health of three-year-old children in England and was carried out at nurseries, children's centres and playgroups in 2013. Over 53,000 children were examined, representing 8% of the total age three population across England.

The results show that those affected by tooth decay had an average of three decayed teeth. There was a dramatic variation in tooth decay prevalence across the county, ranging from 2% to 34%. However, the large majority of children in this age group - 88% - have no decay at all. This reflects trends of significant improvements in dental health since the introduction of fluoride toothpaste in 1976. In some cases Early Childhood Caries was found: decay affecting the upper front teeth spreading rapidly to other teeth and related to the consumption of sugary drinks in baby bottles or sipping cups.

Dr Sandra White, Director of Dental Public Health at PHE, said: ‘While there have been significant improvements to the nation's oral health, some areas still experience problems with tooth decay among young children. Thankfully [this] 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’.

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