Figures published by the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys in 1994 and 1995 show that four per cent of children aged two already have some decay. By the age of four this figure has risen to 30 per cent, and by the time they start school, 45 per cent of children have some decay.
Tooth decay is becoming a disease of deprived children. Their families may not use toothpaste or teach their children proper brushing techniques. They also tend to allow more sweets and sugary drinks because these keep the children quiet and occupied. Many of these children will not be registered with a dentist. In the inner city area of City and East London, for example, only 43 per cent of children are registered with a dentist, while in more affluent areas such as West Sussex the figure is as high as 83 per cent.
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