Statistics behind the gums

• Last year, 522 Southampton children needed a general anaesthetic to remove diseased teeth and a total of 2,093 teeth were removed.

• The average number of decayed or missing teeth for five-year-olds in Southampton is 1.76, compared to a national average of 1.47.

• Of the children in Southampton with tooth decay, the average number of teeth affected is four.

• Fluoride is already naturally present in our tap water. The proposal is to add more.

• Tooth decay is caused by acids produced in the mouth by bacteria from sugars in food.

• About ten per cent of the UK population already has fluoridated water.

In Southampton...

• 21% brush less than twice a day
• 6% of those only brush their teeth a few times a week
• 34% brush for the recommended two minutes
• 21% brush for one minute or less
• 34% have opened a bottle with their teeth
• 23% have flossed while driving
• People in Southampton admitted to picking their teeth with fingernails, pins, needles, paper, pencils, paperclips, matchsticks, cutlery and scissors

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