A new study is calling on dental teams to alert parents to the oral health risk of sharing spoons with toddlers at mealtimes.

It coincides with the latest figures from the Health and Social Care Information Centre that show nearly 26,000 children, aged five to nine, were admitted to hospital in England in 2013-14 with tooth decay.

This has increased by 14% since 2011 – a ‘crisis point’ according to the Royal College of Surgeons’ dental faculty.

Now dental therapists are warning that children’s oral health must begin at home, with parents and caregivers given a comprehensive education if preventive measures are to be successful.