October 27, 2026 - 247 views
The number of children in Wales having teeth removed under general anaesthetic remains below pre-pandemic levels, although tooth decay continues to account for the majority of referrals for children needing dental treatment.
An updated report by Public Health Wales, covering the period from 2019/20 to 2025/26, shows that referrals for treating tooth decay fell sharply during the Covid-19 pandemic before rising again. Referral levels have remained broadly stable since 2022/23.
The findings highlight the continuing impact of tooth decay on children’s health, while also providing a picture of demand for dental services across Wales.
Over the seven-year period, 62,537 referrals were recorded through the electronic referral management system. More than eight in ten — 51,704, or 82.7 per cent — related to tooth decay.
The figures count referrals rather than necessarily individual children, so they do not represent the number of youngsters affected.
Having a tooth removed under general anaesthetic means a child is given medication to make them fully unconscious during the procedure. It can be necessary when extensive decay requires treatment that cannot be carried out safely or comfortably while a child is awake.
Although extraction rates remain below those recorded before the pandemic, Public Health Wales says it is still concerning that children continue to need this level of treatment.
The report also identifies differences between health boards in Wales, with higher referral numbers associated with more deprived and densely populated areas. Children living in rural communities may have to travel further to receive treatment.
However, Public Health Wales cautions against drawing simple conclusions from differences between areas. Referral rates can be affected by several factors, including children’s underlying dental health, access to dentists, waiting times and the availability of services.
The findings are intended to help health professionals and their partners understand demand for treatment and plan services, while supporting efforts to prevent tooth decay in the first place.
Paul Brocklehurst, Consultant in Dental Health at Public Health Wales, said it was important to establish good oral health habits from an early age.
Parents and carers are advised to supervise children brushing their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and to limit sugary foods and drinks.
The message is that, while the number of children needing extractions under general anaesthetic has not returned to pre-pandemic levels, tooth decay remains a significant reason for children being referred for dental care.
Preventing decay early can reduce the risk of children experiencing pain, needing more extensive treatment and having teeth removed.
