While the figures have revealed a two per cent decline in decay-related extractions, tooth decay remains the leading cause of hospital admissions requiring general anaesthetic in children, with the most deprived communities experiencing rates nearly 3.5 times higher than the most affluent areas. The financial burden is also growing, with hospital-based tooth extractions now costing the NHS nearly £75m a year.
The Oral Health Foundation has called on the government to take urgent action to bring these numbers down further by prioritising preventive measures, including supervised toothbrushing in schools and expanding water fluoridation programmes.
Nigel Carter, chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation, said, "It is encouraging to see the number of tooth extractions in children due to decay continuing to decline, but let’s be clear - 30,000 episodes of rotten teeth being removed from young people is still far too high. Tooth decay remains the leading cause of hospital admissions requiring general anaesthetic in children, and it is entirely preventable. The impact on children’s health, wellbeing, and education is enormous.
"The government must act with urgency. We need stronger commitments to preventive measures, including supervised toothbrushing in schools and expanded water fluoridation programmes. Every day we delay, more children suffer unnecessary pain, miss school, and require hospital treatment. We have the solutions - now we must deliver them."