BDA backs LGA warnings on child tooth extractions

The British Dental Association (BDA) has supported Local Government Association (LGA) warnings following the publication of new data showing more is being spent on tooth extractions among children.

During the past five years there has been a 66 percent rise in the cost of removing rotten teeth from children in hospitals.

Spending is up due to the increased cost of extractions at hospitals – which require general anaesthesia – when compared to preventative measures carried out at dental practices.

The BDA argues the government is failing on the prevention of dental problems, with research showing 83 per cent of NHS dentists believe the current system prevents them from doing preventative work.

Chair of the General Dental Practice Committee Henrik Overgaard-Nielsen said government ministers "keep forgetting that prevention isn’t just better than cure, it’s cheaper too".

He added there is a need for "some real leadership on oral health", warning the public will "pay the price" until that is the case.

In its report, the LGA highlighted an increase in excessive consumption of fizzy drinks and sugar-laden foods for worsening oral health among children.

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