An increase in the number of children with preventable tooth extractions is a 'national scandal', a campaigner has said. Government data released on Tuesday shows a rise in the number of preventable tooth extractions in those aged 19 and under. In Suffolk, there were a total of 595 tooth extractions in children and young people in the year to April 2025 - of these, 300 listed caries (tooth decay) as the primary reason. Picture: Mark WestleyThe year before, there were 555 total extractions in Suffolk, with 275 being related to tooth decay. According to the Government data, preventable tooth extractions were three times more likely to happen in children and young people living in the most deprived communities.

Source: Express February 19, 2026 17:08 UTC