New oral health strategy 'will make a difference'

The reason people in the Isle of Man have such bad teeth is a mystery.

That's according to head of the Dental Service Carolyn Lewis, as the Department of Health launches a five-year strategy to try and improve our smiles.

The major concern is children, because more than half of the Island's under-fives have decay and every month, on average, 20 youngsters need to have four or more teeth taken out under general anaesthetic.

The new strategy aims to educate parents and guardians about the need to look after their children's teeth from the outset, to give them the best possible chance.

Mrs Lewis believes it's the right approach and expects it to make a real difference: