Oral health inequalities a major issue in reducing extractions

That's according to the British Fluoridation Society (BFS) in a response to the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons of England (FDS RCSEng).

While supporting the call for the roll-out of supervised toothbrushing schemes in early years settings, and for a renewed commitment to sugar taxes, BFS spokesperson Ray Lowry highlighted the important role of water fluoridation.

He said: 'Water fluoridation requires no behaviour change and the evidence shows that it is highly effective in reducing dental decay and delivers the most benefit to the most deprived.

'Let us not forget that the oral health of children in England generally is improving at the same time as worsening among those living in areas of high need. Work to reduce decay among the most deprived is ongoing and needs to be multi-faceted.'