Parents hoping to reduce the risks of their children needing to see an emergency dentist could be shocked by figures of a new poll.
According to the Birmingham Mail, one-third of five-year-olds in the Midlands city have already shown signs of tooth decay.
Parents have been urged to take increased action to ensure the oral health of youngsters is maintained by promoting good hygiene habits.
Birmingham's dental health professionals are set to make improvements to the system following the results, which found one-third of five-year-old children had missing or decayed teeth.
This news comes after the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF) announced the launch of a new campaign to improve oral healthcare for children under five years old.
Working alongside the Infant and Toddler Forum, the charity aims to raise the awareness of parents, carers and guardians in a bid to tackle the issue.
Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the BDHF, said: "It is really important children develop a good oral health routine from a very early age."