tooth decay

The mineral is added to some water supplies and brands of toothpaste to help prevent tooth decay.

It found young male and female players are more likely to have major problems with tooth decay and poor oral hygiene than non-footballers of a similar age.

Eating too much sugar increases the risk of tooth decay and some long-term health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease.

Schemes are already running in some schools - but now dedicated central funding will reach the poorest areas where children are most at risk of tooth decay, the government says.

Yet even with the proliferation of fluoride-containing toothpastes and dental sealants, tooth decay is still the most common chronic disease affecting American children, and the average senior citizen is missing at least 10 permanent teeth.