Mixed news on fluoride in dental care survey

ALMOST two-thirds of 15-year-olds suffer from tooth decay, according to the first ever North/South dental care survey.

Since the last national survey was carried out in 1984, the average number of decayed or missing teeth in 15-year-olds has dropped from four to two.

The survey was carried out by the Oral Health Services Research Centre at University College Cork in conjunction with bodies in the North. The preliminary results will be presented to Health Minister Micheál Martin later today.