BRADFORD'S three-year-olds have some of the worst rates of tooth decay in the country, the first national survey of the age group has found.

Nationally 11.7 per cent of those examined had decayed, missing or filled teeth, while in Yorkshire and Humber this figure rose to 12.6 per cent.

However in Bradford 17.1 per cent of the 177 three -year-olds examined showed signs of tooth decay. This puts the district third worst regionally behind Wakefield with 19.8 per cent and Leeds with 19.4 per cent.

Furthermore Bradford's three-year-olds came joint second worst when it came to early childhood caries - a particular type of tooth decay, with 7.2 per cent.

In addition the district had the highest amount of three-year-olds with dental abscess, at three per cent - the next highest being Kirklees at 0.8 per cent.

Public Health England compiled the data after surveying the youngsters in their nursery, children's centre or playgroup.

Its publication follows a recent special meeting of Bradford Council's health and social care scrutiny committee, which was discussing dental health services in Bradford.

A report given to the committee, written by Bradford Public Health, Public Health England and NHS England, highlighted problems such as the high rate of tooth decay in under-fives among other issues.

Councillor Vanda Greenwood, chairman of the scrutiny committee, said of the survey of three-year-olds: “It is important children in Bradford get the best start in life and that includes making sure they have healthy teeth.

“That’s why improving the oral health of children in the district is a key public health priority that we share with NHS England, dental practices, Public Health England and the Bradford District Care Trust."

She added: “However, we are aware that the standard of oral health of young children in Bradford is below the national average and these latest figures confirm this fact.

“By improving the education of parents and young children at an early age around sugary foods and drinks as well as brushing from an early age, we aim to reduce the figures for under-threes in future years."

Bradford dentist Dr Jamshaid Mansoor, of Ravat & Ray Dental Care in Bateman Street, Manningham, said the findings of the report were not a surprise and warned that parents were often unaware of how to look after their teeth and were therefore unable to educate their children about its importance.

"Such knowledge and education relates to instructions in good oral hygiene, correct tooth brushing techniques and a healthy and safe diet," said Dr Mansoor.

"That is seen on a daily basis as we provide treatment and dental care to our young patients in Bradford, many whose dental needs are high.

"This is something we are working very hard to change in this community and our focus and concentration is centred around a preventative and minimalistic approach that looks to help our patients look after their own teeth and gums.”

It is the first time a survey of this age group has been carried out nationally.

Kate Jones, consultant in dental public health for PHE’s Yorkshire and the Humber centre said: “While there have been significant improvements to the nation’s oral health, some areas still experience problems with tooth decay among young children.

"Tooth decay is a preventable disease, which can be very painful and even result in a child having teeth removed under general anaesthetic, which is stressful for children and parents alike.

“Thankfully, tooth decay in children can be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle whereby parents and carers reduce the amount of sugary foods and drinks they give their children and support them to brush their teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, especially just before bedtime. It is also important for children to visit the dentist as soon as their first teeth erupt."