Poor oral health, in the form of tooth decay, can at best be unpleasant in the worst condition. For children, its consequences include difficulties in sleep and food, school absences and emotion embarrassed To smile and laugh, affecting their self -confidence and social development.
Last year, around a fifth Five -year children in England had a dental decomposition of at least one tooth. Teeth extracts – which is to a large extent driven by the wear of the teeth – remained most common reason Because children aged five and nine were admitted to the hospital in 2023/24. However, statistics across the country hide a more special picture in which groups of children are most likely to experience poorer oral health than others (as shown in the two different maps you can activate between below).
These maps are based on mouth health research conducted by clinicians in schools who have seen random sampling across the country. Last year, a higher percentage of five -year -old children in London and northern England faced dental decompositions and teeth extracts from children to southwest and southeast. As depicted in the first map, this is estimated to be 23.4% of children with dental decomposition throughout London and northern England, compared to 17.4% in southwestern and southeast. While higher levels of dental decomposition correspond mainly to higher rates fewer dental staff in Midlands).
It is no coincidence that children in London and northern England face poorer oral health. Differences from deprivation indicators Tell a similar story. In 2024, five -year -old children living in the most degraded areas of England were almost three times more likely to experience dental decomposition and Four times more likely to have teeth extraction. And the highly deprivation areas are most common in London and northern England than elsewhere in the south.
In terms of nationality, at least 30% Southeast Asia and Arab children presented dental decomposition last year, compared to 15% of white British children-pointing to the intersection of nationality.
THE Reverse Care Act – which states that those who need more care are less likely to receive it – it also plays its role here. Data from 2013 revealed that children between five and 15 years eligible for free school meals were more likely have difficulty accessing a dentist and not watching regular checks. Years after the release of this data, dental health inequalities remain persistent, although dental care is mainly offered to all children.
To improve child oral health, a Supervised Toothbrush Program It was announced in March this year for children aged three and five. Based in nurseries and elementary schools, the program is intended to target children from the most degraded areas. This, along with public health policies such as strengthening of collection In sugar drinks, it can help improve oral health to children, Reduction of Hospital Use and face inequalities. These preventive measures are particularly important, as access to NHS funded dental therapy is incomplete.
