CHILDHOOD TOOTH DECAY

Early day motion 1202, tabled 26 April 2017 by Lord McCabe (Labour). Signed by 18 members.

That this House notes with concern that a quarter of five-year olds in England have tooth decay; further notes that tooth decay is the leading cause of hospital admissions for five to nine-year olds, despite being largely preventable, with tens of thousands of children undergoing general anaesthesia for tooth extractions every year; recognises that providing oral health education, improving access to dental services and reducing levels of sugar consumption are important steps in tackling childhood tooth decay across the UK; is encouraged by the success of oral health improvement programmes, such as Childsmile in Scotland and Designed to Smile in Wales; and calls on the Government to take concerted action to address the epidemic of childhood tooth decay.

Signatures by party: Labour 11, Labour/Co-operative 3, DUP 1, Liberal Democrat 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1, UUP 1.