Tooth decay is preventable. A healthy diet that includes fruit and vegetables is preferable to sugary snacks. This is a simple message that needs to be disseminated. Healthy eating does not cost more than ultra-processed food. Tooth decay is not an inevitable part of growing up or getting older. It’s largely the result of everyday habits, and that means it can be avoided with the right choices. Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, routine dental check-ups, and mindful eating patterns all play a role. When people understand that decay is not a “given,” they’re more empowered to take control of their oral health. Water fluoridation is one of the simplest, most cost‑effective ways to reduce tooth decay across an entire population. It doesn’t rely on individuals remembering to buy special products or change their routines; it quietly supports everyone, every day. Communities with fluoridated water consistently show lower rates of cavities, especially among children and people who may not have regular access to dental care. It’s a small adjustment with a disproportionately large public‑health benefit, and it helps level the playing field so oral health isn’t determined by income or circumstance.
General anaesthetics amongst children under 5
England recorded a total of 23,094 admissions for dental caries among children aged 0–5 years over the 2021/22–2023/24 period. This is an astonishing figure and does not represent the total burden of tooth decay in this group.