A health survey shows tooth decay is a serious problem for Chinese children, despite China's economic progress and national awareness campaigns.

The survey shows tooth decay occurs in about 75 percent of five-year-old urban children and almost 80 percent of rural Chinese children. This is compared to only about 30 percent of children in European countries having tooth decay.

The World Health Organization has launched a scheme "sweet smile and bright future" focusing on oral health for school-age children. China hopes only 10 percent of children will have tooth decay by 2010.

(CRI October 30, 2004)