Introduction

Just over a quarter of all five-year-olds in Walsall have untreated dental decay which can lead to pain, infection, difficulty in eating, sleep loss and interruptions to their education.  Tooth decay is the most common oral disease affecting children and young people in England, yet it is largely preventable.

Poor oral health can affect children and young people’s ability to sleep, eat, speak, play and socialise with other children. Other impacts include pain, infections, poor diet, and impaired nutrition and growth.

More than 250 children a year are admitted to Walsall Manor Hospital to have decayed teeth extracted under general anaesthesia. Children may miss school and parents have to take time off work for their child to attend the dentist or be admitted to hospital. Oral health is an integral part of overall health.

When children are not healthy, this affects their ability to learn, thrive and develop. Good oral health can contribute to school readiness and the prevention of school absence.

Together with efforts to tackle the underlying causes of diseases such as living standards, low levels of education and poverty; the focus of prevention of dental decay should be on; optimising exposure to fluoride, for example by brushing teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and reducing the amount and frequency of consumption of foods and drinks with added sugar.

For more information please contact;

Vikki Tolley

Lead Children Healthy Weight & Oral Health

Walsall Public Health