A five-year-old girl has had to have eight teeth removed.

A five-year-old girl has had to have eight teeth removed because her level of decay was so bad, it has been revealed.

Kaitlyn underwent the procedure at Alder Hay hospital’s dental department but is now believed to be recovering well.

Her mother stated that the state of Kaitlyn’s teeth were down to her love of sugary foods and, in particular, tomato ketchup.

She noted that this is a trend that is becoming more commonplace and hoped her daughter’s story would help to educate parents across the UK about the dangers of these types of foods.

Elsewhere, the American Academy of Periodontology recently revealed figures showing that three out of four Americans could be suffering from gum disease at present.

In response, Samuel Low, associate dean and professor of periodontology at the University of Florida College of Dentistry, told the Thousand Oaks Acorn that anyone who has bleeding or reddened gums should make an appointment to visit their dentist.