Delays in child tooth decay extractions at Warrington dentists

The British Dental Association has urged the Government to address a growing backlog of dental care caused by Covid-19, with extractions across England plummeting by more than half.

Office for Health Improvement and Disparities figures show that around 40 young people aged 19 or younger in Warrington had at least one tooth removed due to decay in 2020-21.

It meant around 83 in every 100,000 children in Warrington underwent a tooth extraction as a result of decaying teeth last year – down from 124 in 2019-20.

Across England, 14,645 youngsters had rotten teeth removed compared to 35,190 before the pandemic.

Nationally, 22,549 tooth extractions were completed in 2020-21 – a 58 per cent decrease from 55,137 the year prior.

On the Warrington figures, a spokesman for NHS England and NHS Improvement in the north west said: “Like all NHS services, dentistry has been extremely challenged throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

“A clinical protocol has been in place for patients requiring paediatric dentistry throughout the pandemic, which meant any child presenting with dental pain could be managed appropriately.

“Practices are continuing to follow infection prevention and control guidance set out nationally to resume face-to-face care as rapidly as practicable, while ensuring the safety of patients and staff.”

The Dental Wellness Trust branded the national drop in extractions ‘shocking’ and urged the Government to take urgent action to address the Covid backlog.

Dr Linda Greenwall, founder of the oral hygiene charity, said: “Following pandemic lockdowns, dental practices being forced to close and children consuming food and drinks packed with excessive sugar, many are now suffering agonising pain, cannot sleep at night or concentrate at school and end up missing classes.”

Warrington South MP Andy Carter

Woes surrounding dentistry have been highlighted by Warrington South MP Andy Carter, who held a Parliamentary debate on the issue earlier this year.

On the latest figures, he commented: “Earlier this year, I led a campaign in Parliament asking the Government to address problems with access to NHS dentistry.

“While we have seen some additional £50million in funding to tackle the backlog which resulted from Covid, there is a need for Government to urgently agree a new NHS contract with dentists through the British Dental Association.

“Good oral hygiene matters for everyone, but regular check-ups for children are really important, and having spoken to many dentists in Warrington, they are keen to provide these much needed services and keen to offer a priority service for children.

“I will be continuing to put pressure on ministers until we have a settlement which works for dentists and local residents.”

The Department for Health and Social Care said it has provided £50million to fund up to 350,00 additional NHS dental appointments.

It said dentists prioritised vulnerable groups throughout the pandemic and provided free care to the neediest groups, including pregnant women, young people and those on low-income benefits.

A spokesman added: “We are committed to levelling up dental health across the country.”

Anyone who is in dental pain or in need of support, help or advice can phone their own dental practice in the usual way.

If they do not have a usual dentist and have an urgent need, they can contact the dental helpline on 0161 476 9651.

Maintaining dental hygiene is extremely important, especially for children, with advice available via nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/taking-care-of-childrens-teeth/