NEARLY half of Bolton’s children have dental decay, new research has revealed.

One in seven mothers say their children have at least three fillings and 20 per cent of Bolton mothers say their youngsters only brush their teeth once a day.

In the study almost half of parents of children aged between two and 12 in Bolton found getting their children to brush their teeth stressful.

The research also reveals that one in 50 mothers in the town have youngsters with gum disease — traditionally an adult condition — and a fifth have children with at least four fillings.

Dentist Tina Tanna, who is working with the makers of Aquafresh, which carried out the study, said: “These results are shocking but not surprising.

“Dental decay is one of the most preventable diseases in the UK.

“Every mum knows how hard it is to get their kids to brush their teeth but these results show how important this really is.”