BMJ  2008;336:1323 (14 June), doi:10.1136/bmj.39605.430243.3A

Letters

Epidemic of dental abscesses?

Dental abscesses have increased most among poorer people

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Thomas et al analysed aggregate data on drainage of abscess of alveolus of tooth from the hospital episode statistics (HES) website.¹ I analysed the individual episode records for the same procedure (OPCS4.2 code F16.1), using data obtained as an extract from HES from 1 April 1997 to 30 March 2006. Using individual episode data permits a greater degree of resolution, particularly when combined with other relevant details including the relative deprivation of area of residence of admitted patients (using quintiles of the index of multiple deprivation²).

Worryingly these data indicate the presence of considerable inequalities. The figure shows the numbers of admissions each year stratified by deprivation quintile. Although the numbers of admissions have risen in all groups, the deprivation gradient is strong, with the greatest increase occurring among people living in the most deprived areas. The number of admissions has increased almost threefold over nine years for people . . . [Full text of this article]

¹ UCL Eastman Dental Institute, London WC1X 8LD

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