William Eichler 15 January 2018

Figures show 170 children have rotten teeth removed in hospital every day

Local authorities call for action to tackle ‘excessive consumption’ of sugary food and drink as new figures reveal there are 170 operations a day to remove rotten teeth in children.

Data published by the Local Government Association (LGA) reveals last year there were nearly 43,000 hospital operations to remove teeth in teenagers and children. This equates to 170 operations a day.

According to the figures, which are based on NHS spending data, there were 42,911 extractions of multiple teeth in under 18s in England in 2016/17 — a 17% increase on 2012/13. These operations cost £36.2m in total.

The total cost to the NHS of these operations since 2012 is £165m.

The LGA is also calling for councils to have a say in deciding where the revenue from the soft drinks levy — due to be introduced in April 2018 — is spent.

‘These figures, which have risen sharply, show that we have an oral health crisis and highlight the damage that excessive sugar intake is doing to young people’s teeth,’ said Cllr Izzi Seccombe, chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board.

‘The fact that, due to the severity of the decay, 170 operations a day to remove teeth in children and teenagers have to be done in a hospital is alarming and also adds to current pressures on the NHS.

‘This concerning trend shows there is an urgent need to introduce measures to curb our sugar addiction which is causing children’s teeth to rot.’

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

HR Onboarding Officer (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 7, £27,259 - £29,955 (Pay award pending)
You have an opportunity to be part of a busy Human Resources team which offers HR support across the Council. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Purchase to Pay Administrator (Fixed Term) - WMF2122e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£25,584 - £25,992
We are looking for an Administrator to join our Purchase to Pay and Accounts Receivables team Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Social Worker - WMF2123e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£41,511 - £42,708
We’re looking for passionate social workers to join our team in Kendal following a recent reshape of our services. Kendal, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Environmental Health Officer

Wyre Borough Council
£38,626 - £41,511
We are looking to appoint a full time Environmental Health Officer within the Environmental Protection and Community Safety Department. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Trainee Graduate Accountant

Wyre Borough Council
£25,992 - £37,938
Are you looking to kickstart your career in Finance? Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council
Linkedin Banner