New figures reveal Torbay tooth decay problems
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Torbay children's tooth decay rate soars to 26.4 per cent - a 21 per cent increase, with local NHS and health teams working hard to make seeing a dentist easier, including new dentists, a phone helpline and extra help for vulnerable groups.
New figures show that more than one in four children aged under five in Torbay is suffering from tooth decay.
The bay’s figures are well ahead of the average for England.
More than 200 five-year-olds were examined during a sample of primary schools, and 26.4 per cent of them were found to have decay – an increase of more than 21 per cent over the previous sample.
For children and young people aged up 19, Torbay had almost three times more hospital admissions and extractions under general anaesthetic than the national average
Adults are also struggling, with higher rates of serious mouth illnesses. More people die from oral cancers in Torbay than the national average .
A report to Torbay Council’s adult social care board says local NHS and health teams are working hard to make seeing a dentist easier.
New dentists have been hired, creating thousands of new appointments. Special slots are reserved for urgent toothaches. A new phone helpline is being created and extra help is being provided for those who need it most including children with disabilities, children in care and homeless people.
Local schools and nurseries are taking part in initiatives including the ‘Big Brush Club’ which teaches children how to brush their teeth properly, and the ‘Open Wide Step Inside’ programme for six-year-olds.
Parents are also being given free toothbrushes for babies. Doctors and dentists are training more staff.
The report sums up: “Progress is being made against national performance measures.”