Dental crisis: 30,000 rotten teeth removed from children in hospitals, reveals new NHS data

A troubling trend in children's oral health is shown by new statistics released by the NHS for the fiscal year 2022–2023, which shows a startling 47,581 instances of tooth extractions for patients aged 0 to 19 in NHS hospitals.

A substantial 66% of these extractions—31,165 episodes—were linked to dental deterioration, highlighting the widespread influence of dental problems on the younger population.

Uncomfortably, compared to the prior fiscal year (2021–2022), there has been a noticeable 17% increase in tooth extractions attributable to decay for those aged 0 to 19. The growth has been linked to healthcare services' continuous post-COVID-19 backlog reduction.

Deeply ingrained disparities in oral health were highlighted by the fact that children and young adults living in the most impoverished communities had a startling 3.5 times higher decay-related tooth extraction rates than those in affluent ones.

The finding that tooth decay continues to be the primary reason for hospital admission for children between the ages of five and nine is even more alarming.

"It is disappointing to observe over 30,000 teeth being pulled due to tooth decay in the midst of astonishing oral health inequalities," says Dr. Nigel Carter, CEO of the Oral Health Foundation. It serves as a sobering reminder of the enduring link between deprivation and dental health.

"The data we currently have indicates a troubling reality: even if fewer extractions have occurred than before COVID, the true scope of the problem is hidden by persistent backlogs in the system. Without a doubt, this situation is unacceptable and calls for quick action.

"It is essential to develop preventive strategies like water fluoridation and thorough toothbrushing programs in order to battle tooth decay in children.

"To guarantee that every child has access to routine dental care, the government needs to intensify its efforts to improve dental access across the country. It is time to put together a concentrated effort to solve this urgent public health issue and set our kids up for a better, healthier future."

There are clear regional differences in the rates of decay-related tooth extractions: the East Midlands have the lowest rates (80 per 100,000 population of 0 to 19 years old) and Yorkshire and the Humber have the highest (405 per 100,000).

Financially speaking, hospital admissions for tooth extractions in children between the ages of 0 and 19 were anticipated to cost the NHS £64.3 million, of which £40.7 million was exclusively for treatments related to decay.

"The current lack of urgency to prevent childhood dental decay is unacceptable," Dr. Carter continues. It is time for a focused and determined effort to prioritize and eradicate this preventable health hazard in children; acceptance is not a sufficient reaction."