Shocking cost of decaying teeth

The figures imply that thousands of youngsters in the borough do not have regular dental check-ups, where decay would be picked up earlier and not require hospital treatment.

Rotherham’s 2016 public health report noted particular problems in children aged three to five, with numbers needing extra help much higher than the national average. 

It added: “There are a number of risk factors associated with poor oral health, including a high sugar diet and lack of dental hygiene and brushing teeth.

“Evidence suggests that child oral health is related to socio-economic status. Children living in lower income households experience disproportionately higher levels of oral disease.

“Oral health is an important part of health and wellbeing, affecting the ability to communicate, how you enjoy a variety of food, as well as your self-esteem and self-confidence.”

The report said there were 1,015 admissions to the hospital for 0 to 19-year-olds to have decayed teeth extracted in 2012/13, at a cost of £683,095.

A freedom of information request by the Advertiser revealed that the following year saw a peak in admission numbers with 1,107, although the cost fell to £479,331.

Last year was the only one since 2011 to see fewer than 1,000 extractions among under-19s. There were 808, at a total cost of £426,484.

An action plan has been drawn up in which the Rotherham Oral Health Improvement Team prioritises working with nurseries, schools and special schools to promote going to the dentist.

Staff set up a toothbrushing club at Kimberworth Community Primary t3School because of concerns, with help from a nearby dental practice.

Resource packs were given to teaching employees in all year groups and children brush their teeth at the breakfast club before the day’s lessons.

“They all said they now brushed twice a day, not once,” the report noted. “Staff are working up the programme for submission for a Healthy Schools Award.”

Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust said the fall in numbers last year was partly because of a change in treatment delivery models.

A spokeswoman added: “A procurement exercise undertaken by NHS England to provide community-based services for specific dental treatments resulted in a number of patients no longer attending the hospital to receive treatment, hence the significant reduction in activity levels as patients accessed treatment via alternative sources.”