Two Thirds Of Scottish Kids Free from Tooth Decay

Mon, 14 Jun 2010

A new government survey has revealed that the number of 11-year-old children in Scotland with healthy teeth is higher than ever before, with nearly two-thirds showing no signs of dental decay .

The study showed that an average 63.6 per cent of primary school children in year seven were free from tooth decay in the 2008-09 school year – up from 59.1 per cent in 2007 and higher than the Scottish Government’s 60 per cent target for 2010.

Primary seven children in Shetland had the best dental health with 76.2 per cent showing no sign of "obvious decay ". Nine other areas across the country exceed the official target.

In contrast, children attending primary schools the Western Isles had the worst record with 55.5 per cent showing no sign of tooth decay . The islands were one of four health board areas that failed to meet the SNP’s 60 per cent target.

Commenting on the findings, Scotland’s Public Health Minister Shona Robison said: "There are now more kids in Scotland with healthy teeth than ever before. We wanted 60 per cent of primary sevens to have no sign of tooth decay by 2010 and I am pleased to say that this target has been met."

"Dental health in Scotland is improving, particularly in deprived communities, and this is a trend that we want to continue."

"Thanks to work to ensure that children know the importance of dental care at the earliest age, Scotland’s primary sevens are now better placed to have a lifetime of good oral health ."

However, Liberal Democrat public health spokesman Jamie Stone said the figures show that more than a third of children in the country still have tooth decay, which is "an unacceptable figure".
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