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Why is this important?

Tooth decay is largely preventable, yet it remains a serious problem. Recent surveys show that over 20% of 5-year-old children have experienced tooth decay with, on average, more than 3 teeth affected. In the South West over 20% of children examined had tooth decay, with a higher prevalence in children from more deprived areas (almost 35%)*. This impacts the individual child’s health and wellbeing, and that of their family as children who have toothache or need treatment may have pain, infections and difficulties with eating, sleeping and socialising, and it may affect their school readiness/attendance and necessitate time off work for their parents or carers.

It’s not just younger children. There was an 83% increase in the number of caries-related tooth extractions in hospital for 0-to-19-year-olds compared to the previous year 2020/2021* and, whilst more adults are now keeping their teeth for life, many still suffer from periodontal disease and tooth decay, with the number of adults aged 65 with no teeth being higher than some other EU countries. Although oral health in adults has been improving, the incidence of oral disease and cancer is rising, yet is largely preventable by addressing risk factors common to general health, such as smoking, alcohol misuse, poor diet and high sugar intake.

*Oral health survey of 5-year-old children 2019 and hospital tooth extractions of 0 to 19-year-olds (www.gov.uk/government/statistics/)    

Smarter Smiles builds on the legacy of the successful Brighter Smiles oral health programme which, between 2015 and 2023, delivered toothbrushing clubs, fluoride varnishing and oral health education to around 6,500 children each year in areas of high decay. Our combined oral health promotion team not only continues this work with children but complements it by reaching other vulnerable groups, increasing access and improving patient awareness of NHS dental services.

See more about Brighter Smiles on the Smile Together website