Asian five-year-olds in England 70% more likely to have tooth decay than average

Experts say swift action is needed from government to address the ethnic disparity in dental care. Photograph: Victoria Jones/PA

Asian five-year-olds in England are 70% more likely to have tooth decay than the national average, according to the latest government figures, with experts saying “swift action” is needed to address this disparity.

The report, published by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, also found that five-year-olds living in the most deprived areas of England were more than twice as likely to have tooth decay (32.2%) as those living in the least deprived areas (13.6%).