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Tooth decay is a major problem for teenagers in Ireland.
Recent information indicates that the tooth decay for teenagers there ranks among the highest in Europe. This is a major problem based on the fact that teenagers have double the chance of developing permanent decay in Ireland when compared to other countries.
The problem is compounded for teenagers in low-income areas, whereas teenagers in more affluent locations visit their dentists more often.
The British Dental Association has put together a plan that would help fix this problem. In the five years since this plan was created, however, nothing has been done to implement it.
One issue is that dentists are not paid to provide preventive treatments, which is a major flaw in the way the dental insurance is set up. Preventive treatment is the best way for the patient to save money because it will prevent possible problems in the future.
New measures are essential in order for this trend to be reversed.
Still, schools are improving the measures taken to ensure good oral health among students, according to the Department of Health.
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