William Eichler 16 May 2018

Oral health figures reveal ‘clear inequalities’, health body warns

The UK’s public health body has warned there are ‘clear inequalities’ in oral health with children from deprived areas more likely to be affected by tooth decay.

The latest Public Health England (PHE) figures have revealed a ‘steady decline’ in the levels of tooth decay in five year old children.

In 2017, 23.3% of five year olds in England had decayed, missing or filled teeth. This is down from 30.9% in 2008.

However, despite this overall improvement in oral hygiene, children from poorer backgrounds are still likely to be ‘hit the hardest’, according to PHE.

‘It’s encouraging to see dental decay declining across England, however almost a quarter of five year olds are still suffering from this preventable condition,’ said Dr Sandra White, dental lead for PHE.

‘Children in our most deprived communities continue to be hit the hardest – we need more local authorities using targeted interventions to reduce these inequalities.’

According to PHE, 80% of local authorities had an oral health needs assessment in place, with 73% commissioning oral health improvement programmes for 0-5 year olds.

Responding to these latest figures, Cllr Izzi Seccombe, chairman of the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Community Wellbeing Board, said: ‘Tooth decay is largely preventable, yet is the most common oral disease affecting children and young people.

‘The findings of this survey highlight the need for urgent investment in oral health education so that parents and children understand the impact of sugar on teeth and the importance of good oral hygiene.

‘As LGA analysis revealed earlier this year, there are 170 operations a day taking place in hospitals to remove teeth in children and teenagers.

‘Untreated dental care remains one of the most prevalent diseases affecting children and young people’s ability to speak, eat, play and socialise.

‘This study underlines how regular check-ups at a dentist can help prevent tooth decay and the need for hospital treatment.’

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Accountant

North East Lincolnshire Council
NJC39 - £48,710
This is a pivotal position within the council’s finance team North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Communications and Engagement Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£44,331 - £47,532
We’re looking for two enthusiastic and dedicated communications professionals to join our team and work on communications for transport. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Families Information Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£38,934 - £40,755
The Greenwich Families information Service is requiring cover for maternity leave within the team. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Finance Assistant

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£31,524 - £32,931
Roles have generic job descriptions across the department’s full range of accounting services. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Housing Assurance Service Manager

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£55,675 - £56,649
We’re building a brand-new assurance team in our Homes & Neighbourhoods service Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Linkedin Banner