THE number of children on the waiting list for dental operations has risen in the past five years, new figures reveal.

There were 86 children on waiting lists in East Lancashire Hospitals Trust (ELHT) for dental operations undertaken under general anaesthesia. in 2017.

That figure compares to 69 children in 2013.

But the average number of days children are waiting for treatment at the trust has dropped from 78 in 2013 to 34 last year.

Nationally, there has been a 15 per cent increase over three years in the number of children on waiting lists for treatment.

The figures were unearthed following a freedom of information request by the Labour party, who said the deterioration in child dental care was 'completely unacceptable'.

Jonathan Ashworth MP, Labour’s shadow health and social care secretary, said: “It is completely unacceptable that vulnerable children are increasingly waiting for months in agony to have their teeth fixed.

“We’ve also heard horrific stories of people forced to resort to DIY Dentistry kits in utter desperation.

"In the fifth richest nation in the world this is a damning indictment of Tory neglect of our health service."

Mick Armstrong, chairman of dentist trade union the British Dental Association, said: “The growing number of young children on waiting lists for tooth extractions is symptomatic of government failure to tackle a wholly preventable disease."

Victoria Bateman, divisional general manager for surgery for ELHT, said: “The trust currently has 67 under 18’s awaiting dental procedures.

"This figure fluctuates depending on the demand of the service.

"By holding extra theatre sessions when required, the trust is successfully managing the number of cases being referred. As a result of this the average length of wait has greatly reduced by over 50 per cent.

"To meet anticipated demand in 2018, we are hoping to be able to recruit an additional consultant.”

A department of health and social care spokesman said: “Tooth decay is an entirely preventable disease – that’s why we’re determined to make sure all children get the right access and support to achieve good oral hygiene, whatever their background or location."