Figures from the Dental Health Services Victoria show 59.5 per cent of children presenting to public dental clinics in the Grampians region have tooth decay.

This is compared with the state’s average of 50.4 per cent.

However, Wimmera Health Care Group senior dentist Seng Teoh said more children were coming to the clinic now than ever before, which had led to an increase in tooth decay rates.

“Traditionally we have had quite a high rate of tooth decay in the region, but in the past few years we have been really proactive in our oral health programs to try to prevent this,” he said.

“We have been trying to raise awareness of the services available and engaging with primary school and pre-school children.

“We have an outreach program where we head out to primary schools for the day and chat to children about oral health to make them more aware.

“It’s about trying to improve engagement through the wider community.”

Dr Teoh said as a result of the programs, there had been more children coming to the clinic.

“The increased rates of tooth decay could be because we are screening more children,” he said.

Dr Teoh said it was important children and adults came in for an oral health check-up every 12 to 18 months.

He said children should start going to the dentist when they were two or three years old.

“When they have all their baby teeth, we like to get the kids in, not necessarily for a proper check-up, but just to get them used to the dentist,” he said.

“Then from age six, when they start getting adult teeth, they should come in for regular check-ups.

“There is also no fee for children under the age of 17 with a concession card.”

Dental Health Services Victoria chief oral health advisor Martin Hall said it was vital that people took care of their teeth.

“It is important that we don't forget about our oral health,” he said.

“Tooth decay can occur when you consume food and drinks containing sugar and starches.

“Bacteria in the plaque on your teeth mix with the sugar and are converted into acids that attack the surface of the teeth.

“This can lead to tooth decay or holes in the teeth.

“This is a big price to pay for not taking the time out to brush your teeth.”