Fewer Tayside kids have decayed teeth

The National Dental Inspection Programme (NDIP) has revealed that just over two thirds of primary one children in Tayside are free of tooth decay — above the national target of 60%.

Dundee saw the biggest improvement compared with other areas.

The city’s health and social care partnership recorded a drop in the average number of decayed, missing or filled teeth that youngsters have — from nearly two in 2014 to fewer than 1.5 this year.

The situation also improved slightly in Perth & Kinross but in Angus there was a rise in the average number of bad teeth children have.

Nursery and primary schools across Scotland are encouraged to take part in the Scottish Government’s Childsmile programme, which provides education on good oral hygiene. The NDIP report said: “These figures highlight the importance of maintaining our local targeted oral health improvement programmes for children.

“The data suggests i mportant improvements i n Dundee where a significant level of Childsmile activity takes place, although ongoing monitoring is needed to confirm this as a positive trend.”

The overall number of decayed, missing or filled teeth has dropped by 38% since 2004.

Just under a third of P1s are still suffering with tooth decay.

Morag Curnow, NHS Tayside clinical dental director, said: “The dental health of children in Tayside continues to improve in line with national progress. It is particularly heartening to note the rate of improvement is highest in Dundee.

“Historically, children in Dundee have had poorer dental health than their peers in Angus and Perth & Kinross and we are pleased to see a sizeable reduction in the gap between these areas. Much of the improvement can be attributed to the national Childsmile programme.”

Councillor Ken Lynn, the city council’s health and social work convener, said: “This is fantastic news. Good dental health starts from childhood. If kids are looking after their teeth now that will carry on into later life.

“Dental health isn’t just about your mouth either. It can cause problems in later life.”

PRIMARY school pupils across Dundee are smiles better, according to a new report which shows dental health in the city has vastly improved.

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