A five-year-old Nottingham girl had to have all her baby teeth taken out because of tooth decay.

The case has been highlighted by a dentists’ union as experts debate how to tackle the city’s “rampant” problem with poor child dental health.

........The issue has even led an MP to call for fluoride to be added to the city’s water supply in a bid to improve the condition of people’s teeth.

He called for fluoride, which is a chemical used in toothpaste to strengthen teeth and make them more resistant to decay, to be used in the water supply in the city.
He said: “There needs to be regular dental checks for all children at primary school and fluoride in the water, which is naturally occurring in many places and is added in many cities throughout the UK with dramatic improvements in dental health.”
He added: “No child at the age of five should be put under anaesthetic to have surgery on their mouths as happens in many cases in Nottingham North.”
Mr Palaley said in certain parts of the city, such as the city centre, water fluoridation would be beneficial.
He said: “Areas can be isolated with water supplies. Evidence would suggest that an increase level in fluoride is better for teeth. It’s certainly better for tooth development.
“As there’s evidence to suggest that some parents need a helping hand, this would be able to provide it.”
Ms McDonald said a small amount of fluoride in the water would also be beneficial for children if they get a lot of water into their diets.

Nottinghamshire Local Dental Committee will discuss the idea at the Park Inn, in the city centre, on Monday, January 16, to form an official response on the fluoridation proposal.