A recent survey of young children in Wales shows notable improvements in oral health, but untreated tooth decay and social inequalities remain a concern.
The 2024/25 academic year inspection assessed 8,526 Year 1 pupils across 655 state-funded schools. Conducted by Cardiff University’s Welsh Oral Health Information Unit for the NHS Wales Dental Epidemiology Programme, the survey found a significant decline in dental decay compared to previous years.
On average, eight children in a class of 30 have experienced tooth decay, a marked drop from 14 children per class in 2007/08. Experts called the trend encouraging, but nearly one in four children still suffers from untreated decay. Dental pain continues to be the most common oral health issue among pupils.
The report also highlights persistent inequalities. Children from the most deprived communities remain more likely to experience decay and have a higher number of affected teeth than those from more affluent areas. However, reductions in decay rates were observed across the four most deprived groups, suggesting progress in narrowing the gap.
Health officials stressed that continued action is essential to address untreated decay and tackle long-standing disparities in children’s oral health across Wales.