Island's rate of tooth decay similar to England

Wed, 26 Mar 2014

29 per cent of five year old children in the Isle of Man have experienced tooth decay.

That's according to the findings of a new oral health study which examined over 200 children.

It's a similar result to England, where the level is around 28 per cent - and lower than the North West region where it is 35 per cent.

Active decay results in toothache, pain while eating and sleeplessness - all of which can impact behaviour, learning and development.

Carolyn Lewis is the clinical director of the Salaried Dental Service - she told us why dental health is so important at this young age: