Oral health

Britain's oral health has improved dramatically over the past few decades but health campaigners say more still needs to be done.

In 1968 about 37 per cent of adults had no teeth compared to six per cent in 2008.

And in 1973, 93 per cent of 12-year-olds had tooth decay compared to 38 per cent in 2003.

The government has identified the top 15 areas for improvement in England and Wales, with Merthyr topping the list due to 76.1 per cent of five-year-olds in the region having at least one decayed, missing or filled tooth.

In comparison the best region for dental health, Middlesex, has 20.8 per cent of its five-year-olds with at least one decayed, missing or filled tooth.

In February 2008 health secretary Alan Johnson said water should be fluoridated to prevent tooth decay in areas with poor dental health and strategic health authorities are considering fluoridation.

All water contains some fluoride and about 5.5 million people receive water in which the fluoride content has been increased at the request of the NHS to a level of one part per million.

The government claims studies have shown oral health is better in areas where water is already fluoridated.

People are also encouraged to brush their teeth at least twice a day - particularly last thing at night - and to limit the amount of snacking on sugary food and drinks.

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