§ Mr. HepburnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures the Department is taking to reduce the number of children with tooth decay. [128895]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonDue mainly to the introduction of fluoride toothpaste and the fluoridation of water in some areas of the country, there has, over the last 20 years, been 627W a major improvement in oral health. Nearly 60 per cent. of 5-years-olds now have no experience of tooth decay. However, significant variations remain which, in areas where drinking water is not fluoridated, are strongly associated with economic and social deprivation. The Government are committed to reducing these inequalities and have made provision in the Water Bill, currently before Parliament, to give communities with 628W high levels of tooth decay a real option of having their water fluoridated. We have also established the "Brushing for Life" scheme in areas of poor dental health, whereby families with young children receive free fluoridated toothpaste, toothbrushes and advice on oral hygiene when attending child health developmental checks at aged eight months and 18 months and three years.