A QUARTER of Swindon children have suffered tooth decay before they are old enough to start primary school.

Health chiefs in the town say that tooth extraction is the most common reason why children go under the dentist’s scalpel.

Official figures show that on average among Swindon five year-olds, three of their baby teeth are decayed, missing or removed.

Almost two thirds of Swindon adults have experienced gum disease. The condition can lead to tooth loss.

Speaking for National Smile Month, Dr Ayo Oyinloye, Swindon Borough Council’s consultant in public health, said: “Tooth extractions is one of the most common reasons children are admitted for dental surgery in Swindon.

“Taking care of your teeth and those of your family needs to start from an early age, so it is important that children learn how to brush their teeth properly, avoid sugary foods and visit their dentist regularly, starting when their first tooth comes through.”

He said that brushing your teeth once in the daytime and once before bed with a fluoride toothpaste can help maintain healthy teeth and gums, preventing common conditions including tooth decay and gum disease.

Last month, Swindon dental practice owner Jane Hall said that in the last year they had treated one pre-schooler for cavities. “A majority of their baby teeth were decayed,” the owner of Freshbrook Dental Practice said.

She added that the kinds of sugary foods one ate was important – with currants that stick to the surface of the teeth worse for young gnashers than chocolate.

National Smile Month, which runs until Thursday 14 June 2018, was launched by the Oral Health Foundation in a bid to promote good oral health.