Tooth decay in children is prevalent. The most recent Children's Dental Health Survey revealed that around one third of 5-year-old children in England suffer from this preventable disease. This article discusses the issues surrounding children's oral health, including the burden of disease, the causes and consequences of dental decay and evidence-based preventive strategies that can be used to tackle this prevalent disease. It also highlights actions that key stakeholders, such as health visitors, can take in addressing the problem.

Beverly Buahin - Dental Core Trainee in Paediatric Dentistry, Liverpool University Dental Hospital