MORECAMBE children have the worst teeth in the country according to a survey of five year olds. The shocking results have prompted Morecambe Bay Health Authority to look at ways of encouraging parents and pre -school groups to do more to help children look after their teeth. The Authority's Director of Public Health, Dr Nick Gent, explained: "The North West region has the worst dental health in the country."

The statistics mean that one child in seven needed general anaesthetic for dental surgery which according to Dr Gent was 'unacceptable' in this day and age. The Health Authority's dental advisor, Keith Woods has recommended a plan of action to help parents ensure the health of their children's teeth. This includes cutting back on sugary food and drinks, brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, requesting water companies to fluoridate supplies and ensuring that children see a dentist at least twice a year.

Dr Gent added: "It is generally accepted that better teeth were found in more affluent areas of the country but nowhere were fewer cases of tooth decay found than in the West Midlands where there is widespread flouridation of water supplies. The North West has the highest level of decay in England and Wales but it's not been possible to persuade water authorities to flouridate supplies over the past 40 years."

Dr Robert Talbot, chairman of Lancaster and Morecambe Community Health Council, said that too little was being done too late and felt children under five years of age should be targeted. The health authority agreed to investigate ways of raising awareness in this age group and will be asking their health promotion units and Keith Woods to liaise with them to produce a practical campaign.

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