MPs grapple with child tooth decay epidemic

On the evening of February 3, Sir Paul Beresford MP, a practising dentist and chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Dentistry and Oral Health, secured a debate on the floor of the House to give MPs and Ministers a chance to discuss ways of tackling the epidemic of decay and erosion in British children’s teeth.

BDA Chair Mick Armstrong said:

“Our thanks go to Sir Paul for focusing Parliament’s attention on an epidemic of tooth decay. A preventable disease is now the leading cause of hospital admissions among the nation’s children. This is one debate MPs from all parties must not shrink from.”

Sir Paul detailed some shocking statistics on the extent of children’s dental caries, particularly stressing the stark inequalities between children from different regions and socioeconomic backgrounds. Concluding his speech he said:

“The extent of dental caries among children in England is sad and it is a disgrace. It has been a disgrace for decades. It is preventable and, if we prevent it, we can make considerable savings to our health service and save the pain and suffering of England’s children.”