A PROJECT to tackle tooth decay in the Bradford district with the worst track record in the region for the disease gets under way next week.

The Bradford and Airedale district has 46 per cent of five year olds with tooth decay - compared to an average of 33 per cent across the Yorkshire region.

In an attempt to reduce that, Bradford District Care Trust is running a Fluoride Varnish Programme Awareness Week starting on Monday.

The procedure involves applying a flouride varnish to youngsters' teeth and in conjunction with brushing and a health diet can help to safeguard them from decay.

Clinical Director at the Care Trust Swarngit Shahid said: “Research shows that Fluoride Varnish is highly effective at reducing dental disease if applied twice a year directly onto the tooth surface, in addition to regular tooth brushing.

“Children taking part in the Fluoride Varnish Programme have the potential to be free from tooth decay when combined with healthy eating and regular tooth brushing. This is a great opportunity for parents to find out more about the programme and for more children to become involved.”

The team will be at the Scotchman Road playing fields on Monday from noon to 4 pm, at Farfield recreation ground, Buttershaw, from noon until 4 pm on Tuesday and at Baildon recreation ground, Green lane, from 1 pm until 4 pm on Wednesday. On Thursday they will be at the Myra Shay playing fields, Barkerend Road, from noon to 4 pm and on Friday at Victoria Park, Hard Ings Road, Keighley, from 1 pm until 4 pm.