New campaign to tackle child tooth decay in Westminster

Pupils from Pimlico Primary School were present for the launch of a new oral health campaign, aimed at reversing the concerning trend among children aged one to nine.

In Westminster 35 per cent of five year-old children have at least one decayed, missing or filled tooth, compared with 27 per cent in London and just under 25 per cent across England.

The figures have been improving, in 2012 five year olds in the borough had on average 1.72 decayed, missing or filled tooth, in 2015 this had fallen to 1.17. However, it is still concerning given that tooth decay is almost entirely preventable.

Research shows that there are additional cultural and transitory barriers to registering with a dentist early and a lack of awareness of dental health resources.

Westminster City Council has launched a new campaign to tackle the issue, with a new animation, ‘The Tale of Triumph over Terrible Teeth’ aimed at young children.