The children of England can’t be too happy: since 2011, the number of children in England requiring dental work has increased sharply. More specifically, 128,558 aged ten and under have needed at least one tooth pulled since then.
According to Pulse Headlines, between April 1, 2014 and March 31, 2015, there have been 14,445 cases of children five or less needing at least one tooth pulled. For children between six and ten, there were another 19,336 cases of children needing at least one tooth pulled.
This represents a nearly 10% rise in child hospital admissions for severe tooth decay in England over the last four years. Between 2014-2015, there were 33,781 cases of tooth decay in children in England.
There has been a noticeable increase in these cases every year for the past five years. For example, in 2013-2014 there were 32,741 cases; 2012-2013 had 31,275 cases; 30,761 in 2011-2012.
“Not only is tooth decay distressing to children and parents, it has serious social and financial implications. The need for tooth extraction continues to be the number one reason why five to nine-year-old children are admitted to hospital” Professor Nigel Hunt, Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons, said.
Professor Hunt is especially critical given the fact that he believes 90% of tooth decay is preventable. He says that an easy solution to the problem might simple be better education.
Additionally, Professor Hunt claims that more Government and dental professional effort might easily increase awareness and help get to the root of the problem. According to Professor Hunt, they could easily work in tandem to solve the problems together.