CHILDREN in some parts of the North-East have three times more dental decay than in other areas.

The main causes of this variation are fluoridation and deprivation, according to Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson.

Research highlighted in his annual report published this week showed a wide range of dental health among five-year-olds.

The number of decayed, missing and filled teeth varied from 0.86 per child in Hartlepool to 2.82 per child in South West Durham.

All six areas with fluoridated water of the 13 studied had low levels of decay, even though some had high levels of deprivation.

Sir Liam said: "Local studies have shown that fluoridation can nullify the effects of deprivation.

"On Teesside, for example, the most deprived wards in fluoridated Hartlepool still have less dental decay than the least deprived wards of non-fluoridated Middlesbrough."

Extending fluoridated water "remains a priority in tackling inequality", said Sir Liam.

Draft regulations setting out how strategic health authorities should consult local people on the decision to fluoridate water supplies were published this week by Public Health Minister Melanie Johnson.

Children in South Shields, which used to draw its water from naturally fluoridated wells but now has non-fluoridated water, have higher rates of decay than children in artificially fluoridated North Shields.