Fewer Welsh children are having teeth removed under general anaesthetic than before the pandemic

Referral rates for managing children's tooth decay in Wales have held broadly steady since 2022/23, but fewer children are having teeth taken out under general anaesthetic than before the pandemic, according to an updated Public Health Wales report. The report covers 2019/20 to 2025/26. It shows referral rates fell sharply during the Covid-19 pandemic and then rose again. Extraction rates under general anaesthetic remain below pre-pandemic levels nationally.

The numbers

Over the seven years, 62,537 referrals were recorded through the electronic referral management system. Of these, 51,704, or 82.7 per cent, were for tooth decay. Public Health Wales says the figures count referrals, not necessarily individual children. The report also points to variation between Welsh health boards. More referrals come from deprived and densely populated areas, it suggests, while children in more rural areas travel further to receive care. The organisation says the findings will help shape prevention work and dental service planning.

What Public Health Wales says

Paul Brocklehurst, Consultant in Dental Health at Public Health Wales, said: "Although rates remain below pre-pandemic levels, it remains a concern that many children still require tooth extractions under general anaesthesia." He said parents and carers can help by supervising brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and limiting sugary foods and drinks. Public Health Wales cautions that differences in crude rates between health boards need careful reading. Underlying oral health need, dental access, referral-to-treatment times and the supply of services can all affect them. The summary does not give board-by-board figures.