Report finds children's dental health has never been better

Following post from STV News :

Children's dental health in Scotland has never been better, according to a new report.

The report, by the National Dental Inspection Programme, found that 64% of primary seven pupils have no sign of tooth decay, a figure that exceeds the Scottish Government's target for 60% of primary sevens to have no obvious signs of tooth decay.

Minister for Public Health Shona Robison announced the report's findings at an NHS Scotland event for National Health Service staff.

She said: "There are now more kids in Scotland with healthy teeth than ever before.

"We wanted 60% of primary sevens to have no sign of tooth decay by 2010 and I am pleased to say that this target has been met.

"Dental health in Scotland is improving, particularly in deprived communities, and this is a trend that we want to continue.

"Thanks to work to ensure that children know the importance of dental care at the earliest age, Scotland's primary sevens are now better placed to have a lifetime of good oral health.

"Across all areas of the NHS, not just in oral health, we are committed to improving the wellbeing of our nation. That means supporting measures that prevent ill health. We don't just want to treat people who are ill, we want to make sure people stay healthy."

During her speech, Ms Robison also commented on successes in public heath such as shifting cultural attitudes to smoking and ground-breaking work to address Scotland's relationship with alcohol.