Children's tooth decay issues tackled in schools

A scheme to encourage five-year-olds to brush their teeth twice a day has been expanded to more age groups on the Isle of Man in a bid to tackle the growing issue of tooth decay.

A survey by the Public Health Directorate found youngsters on the island were experiencing more dental problems than the worst areas of the UK.

In response the Manx government has offered its Smile of Mann scheme to more age groups in primary schools, and included optional fluoride varnishing twice a year.

The government said it aimed to have all 32 of the island's primary schools signed up to the initiative in time.