Tooth decay is a problem which every kid experiences. But, it seem like Ireland kids are having greater issues with tooth decay as almost half of the kids under the age of 12 and one third of the kids under the age of 15 are suffering from severe case of tooth decay.

Dentists are of the view that kids' excessive craving for sugar has led to this situation. Sugar is being consumed by kids in the form of soft drinks. Their excessive urge for sugar may also cause various health issues among kids like diabetes, heart diseases and obesity.

The Irish Dental Association (IDA) has urged Health Minister Dr. James Reilly to introduce proper labeling over soft drinks. The President of IDA, Dr. McAlister said, "The health warning system has really worked well for tobacco and alcohol products and it is time for similar warnings to be placed on food and drink products so that consumers can make a fully informed choice".

It has further been suggested that the revenue raised through future `sugar tax' should be utilized towards bringing change in the PRSI dental schemes and medical card. Last year, a maximum number of medical cards were used by the patients seeking dental care.

The medical experts are of the view that the children belonging to poor family background have worse cases of dental problems. Earlier these kids used to get their decayed tooth treated but now the high cuts in the public dental service has made it difficult for them to get treatment for their already decayed tooth.

According to the figures revealed by the IDA, there had been 600,000 fillings, but this year about 221,000 feelings have been carried out within eight months. The IDA has further hinted that vacant posts of dentists need to be filled timely so that dental care could be provided to maxim number of patients.