The number of rotten baby teeth being pulled from children four and under has risen by 24 per cent in the last decade, according to figures released today.

Data from the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) shows that although there has been a 16 per cent rise in the population of children in that age bracket, the figures still show a significant rise.

Professor Nigel Hunt, dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery, said: "When you see the numbers tallied up like this it becomes abundantly clear that the sweet habits of our children are having a devastating effect on the state of their teeth.

"That children as young as one or two need to have teeth extracted is shocking. It's almost certain that the majority of these extractions will be down to tooth decay caused by too much sugar in diets.

"Removal of teeth, especially in hospital under general anaesthetic, is not to be taken lightly.

"There tends to be an attitude of 'oh, they are only baby teeth' but in actual fact how teeth are looked after in childhood impacts oral health in adulthood. Baby teeth set the pattern for adult teeth, including tooth decay."

The figures also show tooth extractions for children aged nine and under reached more than 34,000 per year for the last two years.

There were 34,788 extractions in 2014/2015 which is the highest amount since 2005.

Professor Hunt said the figures were distressing as 90 per cent of tooth decay is preventable and dental treatment is free for under 18s.

He said: "We'd like to see a significant proportion of the money raised through the Government's sugar levy spent on oral health education.

"Sugar has an almost immediate damaging impact on teeth and if we teach parents and children to cut down on sweet treats and look after their teeth properly, there will be a positive knock-on effect for childhood obesity rates too."