Parliamentary inquiry

This follows a report produced by the Faculty last month which highlighted that tooth decay is the number one reason why 5 to 9 year olds in England are hospitalised, with 26,000 children admitted between 2013 and 2014, even though tooth decay is nearly entirely preventable. Almost a third of children are not seeing the dentist – a figure which has not shifted for a decade.

As part of the Faculty’s recommendations aimed at government, political parties and stakeholders, Professor Nigel Hunt will call for:

Commenting in advance of today’s hearing, Professor Nigel Hunt said:

“As 90 per cent of tooth decay is preventable, it is extremely concerning that so many children are being hospitalised for this.

“Evidence overwhelmingly shows that greater measures are needed by Public Health England, dentists, and parents to prevent children from getting tooth decay. Simple steps such as regular brushing, greater access to dentistry and water fluoridation schemes can improve children’s oral health and deliver savings to the NHS.