The poor state of dental Health of young children is highlighted in a draft Oral Health Strategy for the Isle of Man, which has gone out to public consultation.

The document, which covers the period to 2015, shows more than half the Island's youngsters experience decay by the time they are five years old, with those affected having an average of 2.5 decayed, filled or missing teeth.

The figures compare unfavourably with the worst region in England - the North West - and have led health officials to recommend concentrating oral health promotion activities on young children.

Two years ago a decision was taken not to fluoridate the Island's public water supply.

Service manager at the dental department Carolyn Lewis says, with this in mind, it's important to look at other ways of preventing tooth decay, such as fissure sealants and fluoride varnish:

Copies of the Oral Health Strategy document are available from the Department of Health and gov.im, the website of the Isle of Man Government.

Source: Manx Radio