All smiles as children kick tooth decay

CHILDREN’s dental health across the Lothians has never been better, the Scottish Government has said.

Around three-quarters of youngsters now have no sign of tooth decay as they reach primary seven age.

Ministers said this was well above target, and showed huge improvements since 2009.

The picture among adults was also encouraging, with the vast majority now registered with a dentist, while 85 per cent of children are also signed up.

Public health minister Michael Matheson said: “It is fantastic news that our primary seven children in Scotland have the best dental health since records began and, for the first time, all 14 NHS Boards have exceeded the target – that 60 per cent should have no obvious signs of decay.

“This is a sign that we are reaping the reward of our significant investment in children’s dentistry. However, it is important to make sure that we maintain this record as we move into 2012.”