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Children here have the worst dental decay in the United Kingdom
Dental decay is a significant public health problem here, especially among our children. Research with children throughout the UK revealed that 61% of 5 year olds in Northern Ireland had signs of decay compared to the UK average of 43% for the same age group.�
A survey also showed that 12 year olds in Northern Ireland had more than twice the number of decayed teeth compared to the UK average.1 This trend continues throughout adolescence and into adulthood. Our poor dental health record is largely explained by three factors: family spending on sugary foods and drinks is higher here than anywhere else in the UK, we don�t clean our teeth as much as other countries and our public water supplies are not fluoridated.2,3
As a result of these dental statistics, the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland (HPA) and the Eastern Health and Social Services Board (EHSSB) have produced a publication, Nutrition and dental health: guidelines for professionals, which will be available to a wide range of professionals so all advice given to the public will be clear and consistent, helping to reduce dental decay and promote overall health and wellbeing.
Angela McComb, Senior Manager for Public Health at the HPA, said: �The oral health of Northern Ireland is the worst in the United Kingdom and has been for years. While the state of our oral health has improved over the past few decades there is still a very long way to go.
�The state of our children�s teeth is very worrying. We know that the prime time for dental decay to happen is during childhood when teeth are newer and the enamel softer. Developing good eating patterns at this time is essential as we know that habits developed in childhood are generally continued into adulthood.�
Previous research carried out by the HPA has shown that children and young people aged 5�17 in Northern Ireland take sugary foods and drinks often. Nearly three out of four eat biscuits every day, nearly half eat confectionery every day and over a third have sugary drinks every day.4
She continued: �The good news about dental disease is that it is preventable as it is mainly down to healthy eating habits and brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste. The main message of the guidance document is to limit the total amount of sugary foods and drinks and to reduce how often they are taken. Sugary foods and drinks are most damaging to our teeth when taken between meals. If these types of food and drink are taken they are best taken at mealtimes when there is less damage to teeth, and they should never be taken at bedtime as overnight the mouth is drier and damage to teeth is greater.� 5
The publication provides nutrition advice to promote good dental health for infants, preschool children, school children, adolescents, adults and older people. The guidelines are evidence-based, support best practice for the promotion of dental health and will be a valuable resource.
END
Notes to the editor
There will be a media facility on Tuesday 17 June 2008 from 10.45�11.15am at the HPA when Angela McComb, HPA, and Patti Speedy, EHSSB, will be available for interview.
1. Pitts N and Harker R. Children�s dental health in the United Kingdom 2003. Obvious decay experience. London: Office for National Statistics, 2004.
2. Family Spending. A report on the 2002-2003 expenditure and food survey. National Statistics, 2004.
3. Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. An oral health strategy for Northern Ireland. Belfast: DHSSPS, 2007.
4. Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland. Eating for health? A survey of eating habits among children and young people in Northern Ireland. Belfast: HPANI, 2001.
5. Levine RS and Stillman-Lowe CR. The scientific basis of oral health education. London: BDJ Books, 2004.
For media enquiries contact
the HPA Press Office on Tel: 028 9031 1611.
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