BMA calls for free toothbrushes and health warnings on sugary foods

The British Medical Association (BMA) has urged the government to take action to tackle the widespread dental health problems experienced by young children.

During the union's annual conference, recommendations were made that free toothbrushes should be provided to every child aged five and under, while health warnings should appear on the packages of sugary children's food that contribute to tooth decay.

This comes in response to a recent rise in the number of young children who need to have teeth removed due to decay, with more than 30,000 children under the age of nine having to be taken into hospital in the past two years to have teeth extracted.

It was noted that 18,00 of these children were under five years old, suggesting a deep-rooted problem with oral care standards for youngsters.

Dr Iain Kennedy, chair of the BMA's public health committee, said: "It is shocking that so many children this young need to have teeth removed, often in hospital under general anaesthetic, which carries significant risk."

The organisation also called for compulsory dental hygiene lessons to be provided for children in primary school.

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