Increase in extractions under GA among children

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 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.

"The Designed to Smile programme has made a substantial positive impact on dental health at a population level and played a crucial role in improving oral health across Wales."