The Daily Telegraph reported this week that more than 100 children per day were having rotting teeth removed in hospital. Figures show that in 9 out of 10 cases this could have been prevented.
Children under 5 accounted for over 12,000 tooth extractions, children up to the age of 19 for a further 38,000 procedures, all to remove rotten teeth. Sadly at least 60,000 school days are missed due to tooth extractions in hospital.
Public Health England are urging patients to watch their children’s sugar intake, it seems most youngsters are having 8 cubes of sugar more per day than the recommended limit of 5. Last month we took part in Fizz Free February which showed our patients how much sugar was hidden in fizzy drinks, most people were shocked!
Tooth decay can largely be avoided by reducing sugar intake, brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and keeping up routine visits to the dentist. Professor Michael Excudier from the Royal College of Surgeons said: ‘Tens of thousands of young children are having to go through the distressing experience of having rotten teeth removed under general anaesthetic for a problem that is 90% avoidable.’
Please ask any of our Dentists, Hygienist or Nurses for guidance on how best to take care of your childs teeth, diet advice or brushing advice, we are here to help!