Over 1,100 Hospital Admissions in Lancashire for Children’s Tooth Extractions

UK: Recent figures reveal a concerning trend in Lancashire, where over 1,100 hospital admissions were recorded last year for children’s tooth extractions due to decay. 

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health describes the situation as “nothing short of egregious,” highlighting the severity of the issue.

Statistics from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities paint a troubling picture across Lancashire’s regions. Blackpool reported 285 admissions, followed by 270 in Blackburn with Darwen, indicating a widespread problem. 

These admissions primarily stemmed from tooth decay, with approximately 66% attributed to this cause.

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Impact of Lack of Access

David Fothergill, chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, emphasizes the impact of limited access to affordable dentistry on children’s oral health. He notes the concerning rate at which operations are conducted daily to address decaying teeth, highlighting the strain on the healthcare system.

Nationwide, the situation is equally troubling, with 47,581 tooth extractions for patients under 19 years old across NHS hospitals in England. Alarmingly, 31,165 of these extractions were due to tooth decay, marking a significant increase from previous years.

Eddie Crouch, chairman of the British Dental Association, criticizes the government’s response, highlighting a failure to address the root causes of decay, particularly in deprived areas. Dr. Helen Stewart from the RCPCH echoes these concerns, emphasizing the undeniable link between deprivation and tooth decay.

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Regional Disparities

Geographical disparities further compound the issue, with Yorkshire and the Humber reporting a higher prevalence of tooth decay compared to the South West. In the North West, where Lancashire is situated, 20.2% of children reported experiencing tooth decay.

The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledges the challenges but asserts improvements in dental access. Plans to increase dental training places and expand water fluoridation schemes aim to address the root causes of decay and reduce the burden on healthcare services.

The concerning rise in hospital admissions for children’s tooth extractions underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address oral health inequalities and improve access to dental care, particularly in deprived areas like Lancashire. As stakeholders continue to advocate for change, the government’s response will be crucial in safeguarding the oral health of the nation’s children.