ER visits for dental problems on the rise

CHICAGO -- Emergency room visits for many easily prevented dental problems are increasing nationwide, according to a new report by the Pew Center on the States. States where the cost or growth rates are high:

Florida: More than 115,000 people in 2010 went to the emergency room for dental-related problems, resulting in more than $88 million in charges. That included more than 40,000 Medicaid patients, a 40 percent increase from 2008.

Oregon: There were 12,402 Medicaid patients who visited the emergency room with dental-related problems in 2010, a 31 percent jump from 2008.

Tennessee: Dental-related visits totaled more than 55,000 in 2009, five times more than for burns.

New York: Emergency room or surgery center treatment for tooth decay-related trouble in young children cost more than $31 million in 2008, 32 percent higher than in 2004. -- AP