Third of young Salford children suffering with rotting teeth as dentists call for urgent action

A third of Salford children under five are suffering from tooth decay as dentists call for urgent action to stem the ongoing ‘crisis’. 

According to Salford Council’s annual public health report,  33.6% of under fives surveyed in the borough in 2022 had some evidence of tooth decay, with children having an average of two teeth with decay.

Oral issues can lead to time off school and serious discomfort. Therefore, having a healthy mouth is vital as it allows us to communicate, eat and socialise in a comfortable manner.

Salford is the 5th highest area in Greater Manchester for under fives experiencing tooth decay.

The average rate of decay in the North West of England in 2022 was 30.6%; Salford rate of tooth decay among children is just above that rate.

Oral health is a problem, not just in Salford, but nationally.

Between April 2022 and May 2023, 30,000 children were admitted to A&E with severe tooth decay. As well as more than 70,000 adults.

However, the most recent figures show an improvement in recent years. A 2019 survey showed that 39% of the children who took part were suffering from tooth decay.

That being said, young people are still struggling with their oral health and not receiving much help for it.

New data shows that 93.4% of new patients in the North West who try to receive help are unsuccessful in receiving any from the NHS.

The British Dental Association has stressed that the new government must move at pace to rescue the struggling service.

The BDA chair Eddie Crouch said, “This is a reminder that for new patients in the North West NHS dentistry has effectively ceased to exist.

He continued, “This crisis is piling pressure across our health service, forcing some to go private, while others in agony simply forgo needed care.

“We will keep seeing desperate scenes outside dental practices the length and breadth of this country until we see real reform.”

Groups in Salford are trying their best to help tooth decay issues of children in the community. The oral health team in Salford has planned to set up a new toothbrush delivery programme.

Children who decide to take part in this programme will have to brush their teeth while being supervised by their school for one of their two brushes a day.

If you or anyone need urgent health care in Salford. Call: 0333 332 3800. This line is open from 8am to 10pm, including weekends and bank holidays.