Brighter Smiles: Improvement in the oral health of children starting secondary school

Fewer children in Wales are starting secondary school having experienced tooth decay, but for those affected, it may be harder to get treatment.

Researchers from Cardiff University’s Welsh Oral Health Information Unit worked with Public Health Wales and the NHS Community Dental Service, to assess the oral health of over 6,000 children aged between 11 and 12 years old across Wales. This is part of a regular programme of oral health surveillance.

Dental decay is not just a health issue, it can be painful and can affect children’s ability to concentrate in school, interact with friends, and enjoy their childhood. Since children starting secondary school will already have some of their adult teeth, tooth decay at this age can have lasting implications for their oral health over a lifetime.

In 2008/09, 13 out of a class of 30 children would have experienced tooth decay. In 2023/24 this had fallen to below eight. Whilst this is good news, the survey also found that the majority of the decay remains untreated, with rates twice as high in deprived communities compared to the most affluent areas. Its hoped that initiatives such as the BRIGHT resources will help address dental inequalities across Wales, however more must be done.

However, significant challenges remain. Many children, particularly in deprived communities, have untreated decay in their adult teeth – teeth that need to last a lifetime.

Useful information

• The Welsh Oral Health Information Unit (WOHIU) works with the Wales Dental Epidemiology Co-Ordinator in Public Health Wales to plan and deliver the NHS Dental Epidemiology Programme for Wales.
• WOHIU provides independent professional advice, data analysis and reporting and quality assurance for the NHS Dental Epidemiology Programme for Wales.
• The School of Dentistry at Cardiff University produces high quality, impactful research that addresses key global challenges around oral and general health.