Scotland's poor oral health reputation has taken another blow after it was revealed that 6 per cent of the country’s population had at least one tooth extracted under the NHS last year.
Figures revealed during a parliamentary question and answer session showed that 300,000 people had teeth extracted during 2008 – the first increase in extractions in five years.
Of these, 63,000 were under the age of 18 and 2,500 were children under the age of four. In some cases, children had all their deciduous teeth taken out due to widespread tooth decay .
Despite these figures, the Scottish Government maintains it is on track to meet its target of 60 per cent of Scottish children being free from tooth decay by 2010.
A government spokesman said: "With the highest ever number of adults and children registered with an NHS dentist – and more people being seen by a dentist – there is a greater likelihood of those people accessing treatment."
"The most recent National Dental Inspection Programme survey shows that the dental health of primary one pupils in Scotland has reached the highest levels ever recorded."
"There is excellent progress toward the 2010 target of 60 per cent of primary one pupils showing no signs of decay, with seven NHS Boards having already met or exceeded targets."
