LONDON: A new report from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) reveals both progress and persistent challenges in the dental health of England’s five-year-olds. The 2023-2024 survey indicates an overall drop in tooth decay rates to 22.4%, down from 23.7% in 2021-2022. However, despite this improvement, dental decay remains a leading cause of hospital admissions for children aged 5 to 9 years.
Key Findings from the OHID Survey
✅ Overall decline in childhood tooth decay across England (22.4% in 2023-2024 vs. 23.7% in 2021-2022).
❌ North West and London recorded the highest levels of dental decay (28.7% and 27.4%, respectively).
✅ East of England (17.5%) and South East (19.4%) had the lowest rates of decay.
⚠️ 47,581 children required tooth extractions in NHS hospitals in 2022-2023, with 66% of cases directly linked to decay.
⏳ 120 tooth extractions are performed daily on children in NHS hospitals.
NHS Under Pressure: A Preventable Crisis
Tooth decay in children is entirely preventable, yet it remains one of the top reasons for hospital admissions among young children. In 2022-2023, nearly 31,165 hospital operations were required for decay-related extractions, putting a significant strain on NHS resources.
The Faculty of Dental Surgery has warned that excessive hospital admissions due to dental decay not only divert critical NHS resources but also expose children to unnecessary risks associated with general anesthesia.
Expert Opinion: A Call for Action
Dr. Charlotte Eckhardt, Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons, expressed concern:
“We’ve seen a slight improvement overall, but the fact that more than one in five five-year-olds still suffer from a completely preventable condition is alarming. The government’s Supervised Toothbrushing Programmes (STPs) offer a promising solution, but their roll-out remains inconsistent across the country.
"Studies show STPs reduce dental decay within a year of implementation and pay for themselves within three years. Without sustained intervention, improvements could quickly reverse—as seen in London. The government must act swiftly to ensure consistent NHS dental access for all children.”
What Can Be Done?
- Expand Supervised Toothbrushing Programmes (STPs): Proven to be effective but unevenly implemented across England.
- Improve Access to NHS Dentistry: Families in high-risk regions struggle to find NHS dentists for their children.
- Better Public Awareness Campaigns: Teaching parents the importance of early dental care and sugar control.
- Fluoride Initiatives: Areas with fluoridated water supply tend to have lower rates of childhood decay.
With significant regional disparities, experts emphasize that the government must prioritize targeted intervention in high-risk areas like the North West, Yorkshire, and London to ensure that no child’s health is left behind.