HEALTH bosses have set themselves tough targets to improve the condition of children's teeth in Wear Valley and Teesdale.

A recent study showed that the oral health of people in the area was poor, coming well below the national average.

More than half of five-year-olds in the area have already experienced dental decay - much of which remains untreated, but which could have been prevented.

The Durham Dales Primary Care Trust (PCT) has launched a strategy which sets out targets including reducing the prevalence of dental decay in five-year-olds and 12-year-olds to 35 per cent by 2010.

David Lendes, director of public health for the PCT, said: "We will work in partnership with local dental practices to determine how best we can ensure that those children with most need for dental services are given equal access to care.

"This can be done by encouraging people to register with a dentist, particularly in areas with a low registration rate at present, and by increasing primary care dental services in areas of deprivation where services do not currently exist."

From April 2006, the PCT will be given powers to negotiate local contracts for dental services - which means that health care chiefs can try to provide a more equal service, reaching people living in rural and isolated areas.

A mobile dental service is already visiting isolated parts of County Durham.

A balanced diet and good oral hygiene significantly reduce the risk of developing dental disease.