HUNDREDS of Northumberland children had rotting teeth removed last year, new figures show.

Data from the Government’s Office for Health Improvement and Disparities shows a significant increase in hospitals removing under-19 year olds' decaying teeth across England following the coronavirus pandemic.

But total extractions remain below pre-pandemic levels, and the British Dental Association said the data "understates the level of demand, given huge backlogs and only partial recovery of elective services".

The OHID figures show around 430 children aged 19 or younger in Northumberland had at least one tooth removed in hospital due to decay in the 12 months to March 2022 – up from around 235 the year before but down from 470 in 2019 to 2020, before the pandemic.

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It meant around 669 in every 100,000 children underwent a tooth extraction for decay last year.

A total of 505 extractions were undertaken in the area, meaning decay accounted for 85 per cent of all procedures.

Tooth decay is the most common reason for hospital admission in children aged six to 10, while data showed children living in the most deprived communities are around 3.5 times more likely to have teeth out due to decay than those in more affluent areas.

A Department for Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "The number of dentists increased by over 500 last year and the government is investing more than £3 billion in NHS dentistry including so people can access services when they need them."