7 Dec 2010

Children’s dental health a cause for concern in parts of Wales

Children’s dental health a cause for concern in parts of Wales
Children’s dental health has emerged as a cause for concern after a survey revealed that children in poorer areas of the country are experiencing oral health problems.

The Welsh Health Survey showed that there was a considerable difference between local authority areas, with children in some areas, such as Neath, experiencing much higher rates of tooth decay than children in more affluent areas of the country. Children in Neath Port Talbot have an average of 3 decayed, missing or filled teeth.

The survey showed that people living in the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board area had poorer standards of general health, thanks to unhealthy lifestyle choices. People living in the area, which includes some of Wales’ poorest towns, are more likely to smoke and drink than people in other regions and only a third of people eat the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables per day. The survey showed that 1 in 4 people smoke and almost half the population drink more than the recommended limit.

Hospital admissions due to drugs and alcohol are also significantly higher than other parts of Wales and incidents are particularly common in Swansea. The results of the survey also show that few people get the recommended amount of exercise and this, combined with a poor diet, contributes to obesity.

High rates of tooth decay amongst children are often attributed to a poor diet, which is high in sugary and acidic foods and drinks and a poor oral hygiene routine; often, poorer children do not visit their dentist on a regular basis.


Thankfully no mention of fluoride. Seems more of a spiritual sickness.

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