THE number of three-year-old children in the city who are suffering from tooth decay is above the national average, according to new figures.
But health bosses said the county as a whole had the lowest number of youngsters at this age and with this problem across the East Midlands region.
According to a survey carried out by national body Public Health England, 88% of three-year-olds have no sign of tooth decay at all.
It said this meant 12% nationally were suffering from the problem – with those affected having, on average, three decayed teeth.
In Derby, 13.5% of three-year-olds are reported as having visible tooth decay but, in Derbyshire, this figure is down to 9.2%.
Along with the figures, it has issued advice on keeping children's teeth healthy.
This includes reducing the amount of sugary food and drinks given to youngsters, offering them medication which is sugar-free and brushing their teeth as soon as the first tooth appears.
Dr Sandra White, director of dental public health at Public Health England, said: "While there have been significant improvements to the nation's oral health, some areas still experience problems with tooth decay among young children.
"Tooth decay is an entirely preventable disease, which can be very painful and even result in a child having teeth removed under general anaesthetic – which is stressful for children and parents alike.
Public Health England said more than 53,640 children were examined in nurseries, children's centres and playgroups across the country to calculate the figures.
It also produced figures for each district of Derbyshire, with the lowest amount of three-year-olds with tooth decay in North East Derbyshire, at 1.9%. In Amber Valley, 3.8% of children are affected; 6.7% in South Derbyshire; 8.4% in High Peak; 9.1% in Chesterfield; 10.8% in the Derbyshire Dales; 11.1% in Bolsover and 19.7% in Erewash.
The body said Derbyshire had the lowest percentage in the East Midlands, with 34% of three-year-olds in Leicester suffering tooth decay. Leicestershire's figure was 18.6%; Rutland was 14.9%; Nottingham was 16.6% and Nottinghamshire was 12.9%. Lincolnshire did not take part in the survey.
Semina Makhani, consultant in dental public health at Public Health England, East Midlands, said: "This report highlights a very varied prevalence in tooth decay in three-year-olds across the East Midlands.
"It's important we use this data effectively by working closely with local authorities to tackle tooth decay at this young age, preventing the risk of further tooth decay and continued treatment into adult life."
