Shops could be forced to remove sweets from the checkout following dental report

Shops in the London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham could be asked to remove sweets from their checkouts, after a report revealed that half of children under five living in the borough have tooth decay.

The report shows that rates of tooth decay were much higher than the London average, which currently stands at around 33%. As a result of the report Hammersmith and Fulham Council have created a task force to identify problems and find solutions.

The council has also agreed to set aside a budget of £89,000 to help raise awareness of the importance of oral health and investigate water fluoridation. Other cities have already added fluoride to the water systems and in Birmingham rates of decay have been reduced by 40% since fluoride was added.

Supermarkets and shops will be asked to remove sweets from counters and checkouts to discourage people from adding them to their trolleys at the last minute. Eating sugary foods is a major contributor to decay among children and children are eating more sweets and chocolate bars than ever before.

Fissure sealants, applied to the biting surface of healthy molars make teeth easier to clean. The sealant, which is an acrylic varnish, can also help protect teeth from decay. The use of fissure sealants, combined with a fluoride toothpaste, good brushing technique and regular flossing will help protect the teeth of children, even in areas with no added fluoride in the water system.