Children in Liverpool as young as three have required surgery to have teeth removed, a paediatric surgeon has revealed. Across the city, one in three children have tooth decay by the age of five, with an average of one or two teeth affected. Tooth extraction remains the most common hospital procedure for five to nine year olds, according to NHS Dental Statistics for England, which also show that 40% of children up to age 17 have never seen a dentist.
Preventable Crisis Affecting Youngest Children
Prof Sondos Albadri, Honorary Consultant in Paediatric Dentistry at the University of Liverpool and Alder Hey, described Liverpool’s figures as “among the worst in the country.” She said: “As a consultant in paediatric dentistry at Alder Hey, I see children as young as three needing 16 to 20 teeth removed under general anaesthetic, and this is almost entirely preventable. Liverpool’s figures remain among the worst in the country, with a third of our five-year-olds still affected by tooth decay, well above the national average.”
Across England, tooth decay is the leading reason for children aged five to nine being admitted to hospital. Prof Albadri emphasised: “No child should lose their teeth before their fifth birthday.”
Free Toothbrushes and Supervised Brushing Programmes
In response, tens of thousands of free toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste are being distributed to children in Liverpool. The All Together Smiling programme, a supervised toothbrushing initiative, is being rolled out in early years settings and primary schools across the city, targeting children aged three to five to develop positive brushing habits.
The city council’s Children’s Services and Public Health departments are working alongside early years providers, schools, health visitors, and family hubs to support families in building healthy toothbrushing routines. Additionally, the Mini Mouth Care Matters Programme has been implemented at Alder Hey to improve oral health for children and young people admitted to hospital for more than 24 hours, funded by Alder Hey Children’s Charity, Liverpool Council, and NHS Cheshire and Merseyside.
Expert Advice and Barriers to Care
Melisa Campbell, Liverpool Council public health consultant, urged families to take simple steps: brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears, choose healthier snacks and drinks, and take children for regular dental check-ups. Parents can request free toothbrushes and toothpaste for children aged 0–18 by emailing publichealth@liverpool.gov.uk.
Ian Cain, practice manager of mydentist Abercromby, noted “multiple barriers” preventing some from visiting a dentist, including feelings of shame or embarrassment if they haven’t been taught proper brushing techniques or have lacked access to toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Council Commitment to Oral Health
Cllr Harry Doyle, Liverpool Council cabinet member for health, wellbeing and culture, said: “Good oral health is a key part of a child’s overall wellbeing. Yet in Liverpool, tooth decay remains one of the leading causes of hospital admissions for young children. We are committed to tackling this by supporting families early; helping children establish simple daily habits like brushing twice a day and making healthier food and drink choices. By getting these routines in place from a young age, children are more likely to enjoy better health, improved school readiness and greater confidence as they grow.”
