Exploring sibling patterns in dental treatment under general anaesthetic. Br Dent J 2025; https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-026-9544-7

The findings point not only to disease but also to inequality. Most of the children were aged between 3–9 years and the large majority came from deprived neighbourhoods. More than one-in-ten required an interpreter or health advocate, suggesting that language barriers may also play a role in access to oral health information and care. Caries was overwhelmingly the main reason for DGA, affecting 92% of the children, and nearly all underwent extractions. On average, just over six teeth were removed at the first DGA, highlighting how advanced the disease had become by the time hospital treatment was needed.