--- title: Increase in extractions under GA among children description: Child dental extractions under general anaesthetic rose slightly in Wales in 2023/24, with experts urging early prevention and good oral hygiene. image: https://dentist-times.co.uk/hubfs/Dental%20Article%2012%20image.jpg --- [![DTOC RGB Logo-1](https://dentist-times.co.uk/hubfs/DTOC%20RGB%20Logo-1.svg "DTOC RGB Logo-1")](https://dentist-times.co.uk/home) - [ABOUT](https://dentist-times.co.uk/about) - [NEWS](https://dentist-times.co.uk) - [EVENTS](https://dentist-times.co.uk/events) - [PARTNERS](https://dentist-times.co.uk/partners-dtoc) - [CONTACT](https://dentist-times.co.uk/contact) # Increase in extractions under GA among children ![Dental Article 12 image-1](https://dentist-times.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Dental%20Article%2012%20image-1.jpg?width=1920&height=1272&name=Dental%20Article%2012%20image-1.jpg) Dental public health experts in Wales have reported a small increase in childhood dental extractions under general anesthesia from 2022/23 to 2023/24. However, they warn the figure should be interpreted with caution as services may still be recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. [Latest figures](https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fphw.nhs.wales%2Fnews%2Fchildhood-dental-extraction-under-general-anaesthetic-remain-below-pre-pandemic-levels%2Freferrals-for-the-management-of-tooth-decay-in-children-from-primary-care%2F&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK) show that in 2013/14 8,901 children underwent extractions under general anesthetic. This fell to 3,362 in 2022/23 and was 3,572 in 2023/24. The report also found that referrals for the management of tooth decay per 1,000 children were at a rate of 16.9 in 2022/23 and 17.1 in 2023/24. Extractions under general anesthetic are not without risk and should only be undertaken as a last resort, says guidance. > It remains a concern that many children still require this type of procedure Recent studies have shown that the severity of tooth decay is improving at a population level in Wales, but still affects one third of all five-year-old children. Paul Brocklehurst, consultant in dental health at Public Health Wales, said: "It remains a concern that many children still require this type of procedure. "Establishing good dental hygiene habits early in a child’s life is essential and parents and guardians should be encouraged to ensure their children follow a low-sugar diet and brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. 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