Clinical Report: More Pediatric ER Visits for Tooth Pain

Overview

Pediatric emergency room visits for dental issues have surged, with a 60% increase in nontraumatic dental cases among children under 15 from 2019 to 2022. Factors contributing to this trend include a shortage of pediatric dental care professionals and worsening oral hygiene post-COVID-19 pandemic.

Background

The rise in pediatric ER visits for dental problems highlights a significant public health concern, particularly in rural areas where access to dental care is limited. Many children are experiencing severe dental issues that could have been prevented with timely dental care. This trend poses risks for long-term oral health and overall well-being in pediatric populations.

Data Highlights

ER visits for tooth problems unrelated to physical injuries rose almost 60% nationally among pediatric patients aged younger than 15 years from 2019 to 2022.

In Kentucky, pediatric ER visits for dental problems rose 72% from 2020 to 2024.

At Children’s Hospital Colorado, nontraumatic dental cases in its ER increased 175% from 2010 to 2025.

Key Findings

• Increased pediatric ER visits for dental emergencies are linked to a shortage of pediatric dental professionals.
• Severe dental cases are becoming more common, with children presenting with multiple cavities.
• Policy changes may further limit access to dental care for low-income and disabled children.
• Fluoride hesitancy is growing, potentially impacting cavity rates among children.
• Nonopioid analgesics are recommended as first-line treatments for managing acute dental pain in children.
• The impact of COVID-19 on access to dental care has exacerbated these issues.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should be aware of the increasing burden of dental emergencies in pediatric patients and the importance of timely referrals to dental care. Emphasizing preventive care, such as regular dental check-ups and education on oral hygiene, and addressing access issues can help mitigate the rise in ER visits for dental problems.

Conclusion

The increasing trend of pediatric ER visits for dental issues underscores the need for improved access to dental care and preventive measures, including addressing fluoride hesitancy, to ensure better oral health outcomes for children.

References

1. ADA News, Webinar: Physician speaks on what dental issues she sees in ER, 2021 -- Physician speaks on what dental issues she sees in ER
2. conexiant, A Brush With Danger -- A Brush With Danger
3. ADA News, New ADA guideline recommends acetaminophen, NSAIDs to manage pain in pediatric patients, 2023 -- New ADA guideline recommends acetaminophen, NSAIDs to manage pain in pediatric patients
4. ADA News, My View: Children’s oral health in wake of an ominous pandemic, 2020 -- My View: Children’s oral health in wake of an ominous pandemic
5. DQA Measure EDV-CH-A -- DQA Measure EDV-CH-A
6. BEST PRACTICES: USE OF ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY -- BEST PRACTICES: USE OF ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY
7. Diagnostic Accuracy and Clinical Impact of Handheld Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Pediatric Odontogenic Infections: A Prospective Cohort Study | MDPI -- Diagnostic Accuracy and Clinical Impact of Handheld Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Pediatric Odontogenic Infections: A Prospective Cohort Study
8. DQA Measure EDV-CH-A
9. BEST PRACTICES: USE OF ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY
10. Diagnostic Accuracy and Clinical Impact of Handheld Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Pediatric Odontogenic Infections: A Prospective Cohort Study | MDPI