Oral Health Foundation calls for action after a huge rise in childhood tooth extractions under general anaesthetic
24 February 2023
The Oral Health Foundation calls for urgent action after a new report by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities highlights a catastrophic rise in childhood tooth extractions.
Shocking figures reveal an 83% increase in the number of 0-19 year-olds being admitted to hospital for tooth extractions under general anaesthetic, due to tooth decay.
In total, there were 26,741 tooth extractions on 0-19 year-olds, due to tooth decay between 2021-2022.
According to the report, there are large disparities between areas of the country, for example, Yorkshire and the Humber rates are over five times that of the East Midlands.
The cost of hospital extractions under general anaesthetic in children 0-19, due to decayed teeth was almost £60 million. The Oral Health Foundation says this is NHS money that could be used in other areas, to improve dental access and reduce treatment waiting times.
The charity believes more education and funding are needed, as well as i…