Fears for young people's teeth in Suffolk as hospital procedures plummet during pandemic

The number of teeth extractions among young people carried out due to decay – which have to take place in a hospital under general anaesthetic - has tumbled to record lows, amid fears many people are missing out on vital treatment.

The Local Government Association said the number of teeth extractions for those aged up to 19 carried out during the pandemic in 2020/21, dropped by over 55 per cent compared with the previous year.

This was an all-time record low figure for extractions, with around 35,000 fewer procedures taking place compared with previous years.

Data shows Ipswich as the local authority in Suffolk with the highest number of teeth extractions, with 85 during 2020-2021, whereas Mid Suffolk completed the least amount with 30 extractions.

Babergh, East Suffolk and West Suffolk also completed 35, 65 and 50 extractions respectively.

The data further shows that in England, 22,549 tooth extractions took place in 2020/21, compared with 55,137 carried out in 2019/20.

Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board said: “These statistics show a dramatic fall in teeth extractions due to the pandemic, particularly affecting more deprived areas and it is alarming that there may be children whose teeth are being left to rot as hospitals work through a growing backlog of procedures.

“It is deeply worrying that the type of dental treatment required is beyond the capacity of a local dentist, due to the severity of the tooth decay, and as a result has to be done in a hospital.

"The Government must use the upcoming Autumn Statement to recommit to vital measures to combat childhood obesity and diet related ill health, such as the sugar levy which has helped cut down the consumption of drinks with high sugar content."