Dental experts have warned parents about the importance of oral hygiene in their offspring, claiming it is not just crucial to maintain healthy teeth, but to prevent other diseases as well.

Margo Woll and Marcy Borofsky, co-directors of Smile Illinois-Mobile Dentists, claimed that tooth decay is prevalent in children and is the most common chronic disease they suffer from, the Daily Republican Register reports.

They encouraged people to recognise the importance of good oral health care among youngsters, not just to prevent emergency dentistry, but to also avoid other numerous complications that could arise as a result.

The specialists said: “We also know poor oral health causes other problems in children, such as diminished growth in toddlers, poor nutrition due to difficulty eating and an increase in bacteria in the blood and respiratory systems.”

A recent study by the National Dental Inspection Programme found that dental health awareness had improved in Scottish kids as fewer than the expected target were showing signs of decay.