A Birmingham dentist has issued a stark warning after treating children as young as three with teeth that have decayed to the gum line. Dr Muslim Khoja, principal practitioner at Lozells Road Dental Practice, has spent 40 years serving the city and has witnessed a troubling rise in severe dental cases among young patients.
In some of the most distressing cases, children aged three or four have had their milk teeth completely rotten, often requiring multiple extractions. Dr Khoja explained: 'You find that the milk teeth are all completely rotten, all level to the gum level.' He added that this is a frequent sight, and many children cannot sit through the procedure without sedation or gas.
Dr Khoja expressed deep concern about the long-term impact: 'If they're losing their teeth at that age and not looking after them, how will they learn to care for their permanent teeth?' He emphasised that parents play a crucial role in teaching children proper oral hygiene, including regular brushing with toothpaste.
The problem extends beyond toddlers. Dr Khoja revealed that in recent years, children as young as 11 have needed permanent teeth extracted. 'In the last two or three years, even young kids need extractions of first molars that have just come through. Those teeth are meant to last 80 or 90 years, but they're coming out at age 11, 12, 13, or 14.' He described this as very rare and linked it to child poverty, noting that siblings often face the same issues.
Dr Khoja urged parents to take proactive steps, ensuring children have access to toothbrushes and toothpaste and supervising their brushing habits. The warning highlights a growing dental crisis among Birmingham's youth, exacerbated by socioeconomic factors.
