Lockdown ‘has helped to rot kids’ teeth’: Number of children hospitalised with dental decay is set to soar due to reduced access to dentists during pandemic and disrupted routines
- Dental decay is the biggest reason for youngsters being admitted for surgery
- Levels are runnin gmore than double rate for tonsillitis and is set to get worse
- Some 23.4 per cent of five-year-olds across England show signs of tooth decay
The number of children hospitalised because of their rotting teeth is set to soar because of lockdown restrictions.
Dental decay is already the biggest reason for youngsters aged between five and nine being admitted for surgery – with levels running at more than double the rate for tonsillitis.
Experts warn that the situation is now set to worsen.
Some 23.4 per cent of five-year-olds across England show signs of tooth decay and this figure appears poised for a steep rise
Dental decay is already the biggest reason for youngsters aged between five and nine being admitted for surgery
Some 23.4 per cent of five-year-olds across England show signs of tooth decay and this figure appears poised for a steep rise.
Matthew Garrett, head of the Royal College of Surgeons’ dental faculty, said: ‘It is likely that lockdown will have had a damaging effect on children’s oral health, with reduced access to routine dental treatment and disrupted routines which could undermine brushing habits.’
As check-ups continue with Covid-secure precautions in place, an NHS spokesman said: ‘Activity has increased steadily since services reopened last summer.’