One in seven toddlers has tooth decay, new research reveals. Some 14 per cent of three-year-olds have a decayed, missing or filled tooth, a study found.
Experts worry parents do not appreciate the importance of brushing their children's teeth as they juggle the responsibility of raising a family.
Study author Maria Morgan from Cardiff University, said: 'People don't realise that you should start that early. We are having some children at five, six or seven who are having five, six, seven, eight, nine teeth removed in one go.'
The researchers analysed 1,400 parents. Of which, 75 per cent brushed their children's teeth the recommended twice a day.
Yet, due to the 25 per cent who fail to ensure their youngsters' dental hygiene, 14 per cent of three-year-olds have a decayed, missing or filled tooth.
Ms Morgan said: 'We are having some children at five, six or seven who are having five, six, seven, eight, nine teeth removed in one go. There are some children who are having teeth extracted under general anaesthetic, that's approximately 8,000 children a year. It shouldn't be that great a number.'
