Dental hospital admissions for children aged between 5 and 9 rise again in England
The number of children aged between 5 and 9 years old being admitted to hospitals in England for dental treatment has risen for the second consecutive year.
New figures show that the number of 5-9-year-olds requiring treatment in hospital for dental decay has risen from 25,923 in 2016/2017 to 26,111 in 2017/2018. Although the number is higher than figures for 2015/2016 and 2016/2017, it is still lower than in 2014/2015, when 26,708 children in this age bracket were hospitalised.
Dental decay was yet again the most common cause of hospital admissions in children in England. In response to the statistics, the Royal College of Surgeons has described the situation as “disgraceful” and encouraged parents to make sure their children look after their teeth.
Although hospital admissions have increased in 5-9-year-olds, the figures show a decrease in the number of children aged between 0-2, 1-4 and 10-14 requiring hospital treatment for dental issues.
Prof Michael Escudier, dean of the faculty of dental surgery at Royal College of Surgeons, said it was “disappointing” not to see numbers drop in all age categories, as the vast majority of cases of decay are preventable and dental care is available free of charge on the NHS. To combat the problem and reduce rates of decay, Prof Escudier has called for funds generated by the sugar tax to be invested in better oral health education, which urges parents and carers to ensure children rush twice a day, visit the dentist at least once a year, brush with fluoride toothpaste and cut down on sugary foods.
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