Kids under one year old treated for tooth decay in Leeds
Figures from Public Health England show nearly 30 per cent of five-year-olds in Yorkshire are still suffering problems with decayed, missing or filled teeth.
A Leeds dentist has told Radio Aire he's had to treat a child under the age of one for tooth decay.
It comes as figures from Public Health England show nearly 30 per cent of five-year-olds in Yorkshire are still suffering problems with decayed, missing or filled teeth.
That number has decreased slightly, but remains higher than the national average.
"The worst one was probably a boy who I had to take all of his teeth out when he was 13, which was a real shame."
The latest Oral Health Survey published by Public Health England shows 28.5 per cent of five-year-olds surveyed in Yorkshire had decayed, missing or filled teeth, down from 33.6 per cent in 2012 and 38.7 per cent in 2008.
Nationally, the number of five-year-olds suffering from tooth decay has dropped to its lowest level in almost a decade with just under 25 per cent affected.
"While we have three quarters of five-year-old children roughly in this area decay-free, the kids that do get decay get an awful lot of it," says David.
"Very often it's not just one or two teeth, we see quite a lot of decay in the same individuals.
"It's really important to start brushing your teeth as soon as the child has their first tooth. Make sure you're using a fluoride toothpaste of approriate strength right from the word go."
Dr Jenny Godson, national lead for oral health improvement at Public Health England, said: “While this survey shows things are improving in Yorkshire and the Humber, there is still some way to go and our figure remains above the percentage for England as a whole - there is still much inequality in dental health around the country.
"Tooth decay is painful and too often results in teeth extraction, some under general anaesthetic."