This news article reports on the alarming increase in tooth decay among children in certain areas of England, highlighting concerns about a dental health crisis. It discusses the areas most affected, the national statistics, and the calls for action from dental professionals and political figures.
Certain areas in England are experiencing a concerning rise in tooth decay among children, prompting fears of a dental health crisis. Statistics reveal that as many as six in ten children in specific regions face the risk of needing dental fillings. Lancashire and South Cumbria, Humber and North Yorkshire, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, and North East London stand out as some of the worst-affected areas.
These regions display alarmingly high percentages of five-year-olds exhibiting enamel and/or dentinal decay. Lancashire and South Cumbria lead the way with a staggering 60.8 percent of children affected in 2024. Conversely, areas like St Albans (6.0 percent), North Hertfordshire (6.9 percent), and Bromsgrove (8.0 percent) have significantly lower rates. While England as a whole has witnessed a slight decrease in the proportion of children with enamel and/or dentinal decay, from 29.3 percent in 2022 to 26.9 percent in 2024, concerning trends persist in certain regions. The South West has experienced a rise from 23.3 percent to 24.2 percent, and London has seen an increase from 28.5 percent to 30.0 percent. The report emphasizes the importance of identifying children with enamel decay who haven't yet developed dentinal decay, as previously, children without visible decay were often considered 'decay-free.' The British Dental Association (BDA) expresses concern about the lack of progress in implementing Labour's manifesto pledges to address the dental contract crisis. They urge the government to take concrete actions instead of merely making verbal commitments. Liberal Democrat health spokesperson Helen Morgan criticizes the lack of tangible progress on the promised 700,000 additional dental appointments. She highlights the severity of the situation, stating that many dental problems could be prevented if the issue of dental deserts – areas lacking sufficient dental facilities – were resolved. The Royal College of Surgeons reports a disturbing picture, with 47,581 children requiring tooth extractions in NHS hospitals in 2022/23, with 66 percent directly attributed to decay. Despite a slight overall improvement in the number of five-year-olds with tooth decay, Dr. Charlotte Eckhardt, dean of the faculty of dental surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons, urges vigilance and emphasizes the need for continued efforts to combat this issue
DENTAL HEALTH TOOTH DECAY CHILD HEALTH ENGLAND NHS DENTAL CRISIS
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