Half a million teeth are gone in just one year
For each filling completed, 14 teeth were extracted
The DA will request Gauteng health MEC, Qedani Mahlangu, to engage with the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, to redesign treatment regimes in state dental clinics towards modern preventive and restorative dental treatment protocols.
During 2014 and 2015 over half a million teeth have been extracted in Gauteng, whilst a mere 36 301 fillings were inserted and 3 540 crowns placed in the province, Dr Neil Campbell, DA Gauteng spokesperson for health, said in a statement on Monday.
He said this information was revealed in response to a DA question by Mahlangu.
“This means for each filling completed, 14 teeth were extracted and for each crown fitted, 143 teeth were removed. In the same period, 16,665 dentures were fitted.
“The removal of teeth is a destructive process which allows tipping and movement of the remaining teeth and leads to food debris collection between the teeth and the onset of further decay. Often such extractions result in a loss of chewing capability which, in Gauteng state dental clinics, requires the construction of plastic dentures,” he added.
“Dentures require regular replacement to remain functional and are far less effective than the natural dentition to chew food. The use of fillings is a far more cost effective procedure than extractions and dentures. Gauteng state dental clinics need to educate patients on modern preventive and restorative treatment techniques rather than destructive tooth removal.
