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Cllr Linda Thomas, Vice-Chair of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, responding to a study by Queen Mary University of London on children’s use of non-dental services for oral pain costing the NHS £2.3 million a year 

“This report adds further weight to the need for urgent investment in oral health education so that parents and children understand the impact of sugar on teeth and the importance of good oral hygiene.

“As LGA analysis revealed earlier this year, there are 170 operations a day taking place in hospitals to remove teeth in children and teenagers.

“Untreated dental care remains one of the most prevalent diseases affecting children and young people’s ability to speak, eat, play and socialise.

“This study underlines how regular check-ups at a dentist can help prevent tooth decay and the need for hospital treatment.”

Children’s use of non dental services for oral pain costing the NHS 23m a year