Health

Tooth decay children increasingly fill UK hospitals

by Rachel Nixon | February 20, 2009 at 11:25 am

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Tooth decay is now the third most common reason children in the UK are admitted to hospital, according to data obtained by the opposition Conservatives.

There were 36,530 admissions in 2006/07 among youngsters aged 16 and under, health minister Ann Keen said in a Parliamentary answer. Figures for 2001/02 showed that tooth decay did not even feature in the five most frequent main diagnoses.

The figures show there has been a 13% rise in the incidence of hospital admissions relating to tooth decay in five years, the Conservatives said.

Shadow health minister Mike Penning, said: "Labour's decade in charge of NHS dentistry has resulted in a significant deterioration in the country's dental health. In particular, Labour have completely failed to make any meaningful progress in terms of preventative dentistry.

The two most common reasons for admitting children to hospital in 2006-7 were acute upper respiratory infections, followed by premature birth weight.

The government dismissed the Conservatives' claims.

A spokesman for the Department of Health said: "These allegations are misleading. To claim we are doing nothing on preventative dentistry is simply wrong. All NHS dental practices now have access to evidenced-based practical guidance on effective preventative treatments."

This data comes amid continued concern over the state of National Health Service-funded dentistry in the UK.

Research by the consumer watchdog Which? found that three million people unable to access an NHS dentist had tried "DIY dentistry".

And a health authority in southern England is planning to add fluoride to drinking water to improve the health of children's teeth.

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Fripouille

at 10:55 on February 21st, 2009

Good post Rachel, thanks. The contrast with America and Canada is startling! Moreover I once read an article concerning American perceptions of the British which included a quote by a guy who said (something like)

"Cool people. Too bad about their teeth though".

Well, can't say he's wrong........