ED visits for children with tooth pain on the rise, could worsen after federal policy changes

Across the nation, more children are entering ERs for preventable tooth problems, recent federal policy changes could increase that number (Source: “More Kids Are in ERs for Tooth Pain. Trump Cuts and RFK Jr.’s Anti-Fluoride Fight Aren’t Helping.” KFF Health News, March 10).
 
ER visits for tooth problems unrelated to physical injuries rose almost 60% nationally for children under 15 years old from 2019 to 2022, according to a report released late last year by CareQuest.
 
Dentists, hygienists, and researchers attributed that trend to a shortage of pediatric dental care professionals in rural areas and worsening oral hygiene since the covid-19 pandemic.
 
Recent federal policy changes are poised to worsen the trend. The July 2025 federal budget reconciliation law calls for billions in cuts from Medicaid, which may force states to limit or drop dental coverage from the public insurance program for those with low incomes or disabilities. New eligibility requirements for Medicaid in some states could affect kids’ access to dental care, even though children are guaranteed dental coverage under the program. Research shows that when parents lose Medicaid, even kids with coverage are more likely to have untreated cavities and less likely to go to a dentist.