DENTAL health among children is still poor, according to the latest figures.

Young children in Bolton have an average of 2.61 milk teeth missing or filled. In Bury the figure stands at 2.43.

The British Dental Association released the figures this month.

The decay is often put down to deprivation but the message is clear. Children should not drink fizzy drinks or eat too many sweets.

Dentist Chris Brooks, whose practice is on Chorley New Road, said: "Parents need to ensure their child avoids sugary drinks and sugary foods, particularly between meals. Regular visits to the dentist and brushing teeth twice a day with flouride toothpaste are important.

"Children's teeth in Bolton do appear to be worse than average and I do think that flouride in the water would help."

Throughout the age range, 55 per cent of people in Bolton have tooth decay, 15 per cent more than the national average.

The Bolton Primary Care Trust is working hard to improve dental health. They have ensured 24-hour access to an emergency dentist for all residents and have a school's programme to teach children about oral hygiene.

The worst area in the UK for tooth decay is Northern Ireland with 4.52 decayed and missing teeth per child, closely followed by Rochdale with 3.87 and Greater Glasgow with 3.51.

DENTAL health among children is still poor, according to the latest figures.

Young children in Bolton have an average of 2.61 milk teeth missing or filled. In Bury the figure stands at 2.43.

The British Dental Association released the figures this month.

The decay is often put down to deprivation but the message is clear. Children should not drink fizzy drinks or eat too many sweets.

Dentist Chris Brooks, whose practice is on Chorley New Road, said: "Parents need to ensure their child avoids sugary drinks and sugary foods, particularly between meals. Regular visits to the dentist and brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste are important.

"Children's teeth in Bolton do appear to be worse than average and I do think that fluoride in the water would help."

Throughout the age range, 55 per cent of people in Bolton have tooth decay, 15 per cent more than the national average.

The Bolton Primary Care Trust is working hard to improve dental health. They have ensured 24-hour access to an emergency dentist for all residents and have a school's programme to teach children about oral hygiene.

The worst area in the UK for tooth decay is Northern Ireland with 4.52 decayed and missing teeth per child, closely followed by Rochdale with 3.87 and Greater Glasgow with 3.51.

You can get a pack of Colgate oral health gum FREE if you buy a copy of tomorrow's Bolton Evening News at your local newsagents.

The Bolton Evening News will be giving away Colgate oral health gum free with tomorrow's newspaper. Buy your copy and receive a free pack.