The State of Scotland's Oral Health
Successive national oral health surveys have revealed very high levels of dental decay in young children in Scotland, with children from the most disadvantaged communities commonly demonstrating the highest levels of decay.
By the age of three, over 60 per cent of children from areas of deprivation have dental disease, by five, that figure rises to over 56 per cent of all Scottish children and by the time they are 14, 68 per cent of children have suffered from a dental cavity in their adult teeth.
The 1998 Adult Dental Health Survey revealed that: the average adult aged between 35 and 44 years of age had lost 8 adult teeth and had 10 teeth filled and 56 per cent of Scottish adults over 65 years had no teeth.
Targets to improve oral health
By 2010
Children
- 5 yr olds (Primary 1) - 60 per cent of children will have no signs of dental disease
- 11-12 year olds (Primary 7) - 60 per cent of children will have no signs of dental disease in permanent teeth
Adults
- 90 per cent of adults will have some natural teeth
- 65 per cent of adults aged 55-74 years will have some natural teeth
Oral Cancer
A wide-ranging consultation on children's oral health has helped to inform these targets. To achieve sustainable oral health in children requires co-operation and partnership across Scottish society. A range of measures will be introduced to ensure that oral health is prioritised and is integral to the health improvement agenda in Scotland.