Hundreds of children in Plymouth suffering from rotting teeth

Hundreds of children in Plymouth are having rotten teeth removed under general anaesthetic.

Last year more than 700 under-16 year olds went into Derriford Hospital, some as young as three.

Health experts and politicians say the disease is entirely preventable, but there are fears a shortage of NHS dentists is making the problem worse.

Tooth decay is historically linked to high levels of deprivation, and the latest figures seem to bear this out.

The rate of dental extraction in the most deprived parts of the city is almost three times that of more affluent areas.

And there is an added problem, a lack of NHS dentists to actually see and treat these patients.

The NHS Change 4 Life campaign features a wide range of resources to help us moderate our sugar intake and lead healthier lives.

But dentists fear the message may not be getting through.

Last year removing teeth from children cost the city of Plymouth almost £600,000.

Plymouth City Council has put oral health at the centre of its child poverty action plan, with a goal to reduce the number of youngsters having teeth removed and give our kids a brighter future.

You can find out more about the problem of rotting teeth in Plymouth below: