Doctors 'shocked' at state of kids' dental health

After polling close to 3000 families, doctors are shocked at the state of children's dental health.

The Royal Children's Hospital conducted the report and found one in three children don't brush their teeth two times a day, and one third of children have had a filling before they've even started high school.

Dr Anthea Rhodes, who lead the study, said it's a concerning result.

"Decay is on the rise, one in ten needed a tooth pulled out," Dr Rhodes said.

Dentists at the hospital have seen children as young as two having extractions.

"We're seeing high levels of tooth decay. Broken down teeth, pain. It affects how they go to school and how they play," Dr Mihiri Silva said.

Sugar sweetened drinks are partly to blame, with one third of children consuming them most days.

Drink choice is important - even when it comes to water.

But there is a big difference between bottled and tap water - something 50 percent of parents weren't aware of.

The better choice is the free variety, that comes straight from the kitchen.

"Tap water contains fluoride, which helps strengthen teeth," Dr Rhodes said.

Instead of putting it down to lazy parenting, Dr Rhodes said there is an element of confusion around the issue.

"It's happening because parents don't get the information they need," she said.

Parents are advised to take their children to the dentist from the age of one and to brush their teeth twice daily.

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