Island's tooth decay rate similar to England

29 per cent of five year old children in the Isle of Man have experienced tooth decay.

That's according to the findings of a new oral health study which examined over 200 children.

It's a similar result to England, where the level is around 28 per cent - and lower than the North West region where it is 35 per cent.

Active decay results in toothache, pain while eating and sleeplessness - all of which can impact behaviour, learning and development.

Carolyn Lewis is the clinical director of the Salaried Dental Service - she told us why dental health is so important at this young age: