Oral health

Although oral health in England has improved significantly over the past 30 years, there are still both children and adults with unacceptable levels of tooth decay. It is estimated that around 1 in 5 adults in the Kent have untreated tooth decay.

Our resources

Data and reports

Between April and June 2022, a sample of 5 year olds living in the most deprived neighbourhoods in four Kent districts received a dental examination. This report summarises those findings. Almost one in 5 of the children had tooth decay. Advice and guidance was provided to parents and carers in the form of letters and telephone calls.

External resources

A number of organisations produce statistics relating to oral health, both at national and local level.

NHS Digital publish NHS Dental Statistics, results from the decennial Child Dental Health Survey and Adult Dental Health Survey.
OHID publish the oral health survey of 5-year old children.
The Public Health Child Health Profiles provide snapshot overviews of health for local areas, and include some data on children with decayed, missing or filled teeth.