One in Six Hertfordshire Five-Year-Olds Have Visible Tooth Decay

A significant dental health crisis is unfolding in the UK, with many adults and children neglecting proper oral hygiene and facing severe consequences. Surveys reveal that six in ten British adults cut corners on dental care, with a substantial number not brushing or flossing adequately, which can lead to serious health issues. In Hertfordshire, nearly one in six five-year-olds have visible tooth decay, with rates rising to almost one in four in some deprived areas, and there have been hundreds of hospital admissions for young children due to tooth decay. The problem is exacerbated by poor diet and dental neglect, which also correlate with broader health concerns like childhood obesity. Access to NHS dental services is critically limited, leading to what MPs describe as 'dental deserts,' forcing families to seek emergency care or expensive private treatment. Additionally, the Isle of Man faces challenges with nearly a fifth of dentists nearing or past retirement age, raising concerns about future dental care availability.