Alarming Number of Dental Admissions Among Children in South Yorkshire

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Statistics have revealed that dental admissions in South Yorkshire are significantly higher than the national average. The number of children aged between 5 and 9 years old who receive treatment in hospital for dental health conditions is nine times higher than in Lincolnshire and Leicestershire.

The latest figures from the Health and Social Care Information Centre show that hospital admissions are most common in younger children aged 5-9 years old and more boys are receiving hospital treatment than girls. Sixteen per cent of hospital dental admissions involved boys aged between 5 and 9, however the second largest group, associated with 13 percent of admissions, was females aged between 25 and 29 years old.

As well as highlighting increasing numbers of hospital admissions for dental cases, the statistics also flag up significant regional variations, with admissions much more commonplace in deprived areas.

The most common reason for admission was severe decay and experts believe the modern diet has a significant role to play, with 16 percent of 12 year olds admitting to drinking fizzy pop and energy drinks at least four times a day.

In response to the statistics, Prof Nigel Hunt, dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons, called for a national oral health plan to be introduced to combat regional inequalities and close the gap between affluent and deprived areas.

Acting chief dental officer at NHS England, Serbjit Kaur, said that although the figures are still worrying, admissions to A and E departments for dental worries have fallen by 16 percent since 2011 and NHS England will continue to work to raise awareness of oral health matters and encourage people to take steps to prevent decay and gum disease.

 

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