Fluoride, diet and tooth brushing are essential to oral hygiene

More than 200 Manx children had to have extractions under general anaesthetic last year, according to the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS).

Director of Health Promotion, Les Dorward, said fluoride, diet and brushing were important factors.

She said it is vital for children to have a more positive relationship with their dentist.

"Certainly making visits to the dentist a part of your preventive regime can make it a more positive experience for when a child does need some treatment," she said.

"Hopefully we can help prevent decay, so that when a child goes to the dentist they can say yes, you've got lovely teeth."

The DHSS held a seminar for parents and carers of young children on Friday to launch a dental decay prevention kits at Noble's Hospital.