PEOPLE are being asked for their views on how oral health can be improved throughout Somerset, particularly for children and young people.

A quarter of all five-year-olds and a third of 12- year-olds have dental decay in Somerset. Most oral health diseases are entirely preventable.

The consultation – located at www.somersetconsults.

org.uk – asks for views on whether Somerset County Council’s oral health improvement strategy for 2015-18 provides a clear vision for the future, if recommendations are achievement and looks for extra comments.

It will be running from now until May 2.

The strategy focuses on preventative activity across Somerset and suggests the following: l Reducing intake of sugary foods, drinks, alcohol and tobacco.

l Increasing the availability of fluoride.

l Improving oral hygiene.

l Addressing inequalities in oral health.

l Increasing access to dental services.

Poor oral health, including dental decay, can affect children’s and adults’ ability to eat, speak and concentrate on work, learning or socialising.

It is also one of the most common reasons for admissions to hospital for children.

Many health conditions and oral diseases share some common risk factors such as smoking, diet and alcohol misuse.

The chairman of the Somerset Health and Wellbeing Board at the county council, Cllr Christine Lawrence, said: “Oral health is a key concern in terms of the public’s health because decay and disease are almost completely preventable.

“Childhood is the key time to develop lifelong skills and behaviours relating to good oral hygiene and health.

“The proposals aim to protect our children’s health and help them build good habits for the future. We look forward to hearing your views to help us shape the way forward.”