This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/cornwall/7893485.stm

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Dentist fear led girl to starve Dentist fear led girl to starve
(30 minutes later)
An eight-year-old girl who starved to death after having milk teeth removed had "an underlying psychological syndrome", a corner has ruled. An eight-year-old girl who starved to death after having eight teeth removed had "an underlying psychological syndrome", a corner has ruled.
Sophie Waller, of St Dennis, Cornwall, died of renal failure caused by starvation and dehydration. Sophie Waller, of St Dennis, Cornwall, died in December 2005 of renal failure caused by starvation and dehydration.
The inquest in Truro heard she refused to open her mouth after her teeth were taken out in November 2005. She suffered an apparent extreme dental phobia and refused to eat, sleep or drink after her milk teeth came loose.
Despite attempts to feed her and contact with a psychologist, she died at home in December 2005. She underwent an operation in hospital to remove the teeth but this failed to cure the problem, the hearing was told.
Sophie's parents, Richard and Janet Waller, told the inquest at Truro City Hall she had been scared of dentists and had refused to eat or talk when a milk tooth became loose. The only justification for Sophie's death is that procedures have and will be changed and will hopefully save another child's life Richard and Janet Waller
She was sent to the Royal Cornwall Hospital in November 2005 to have the teeth taken out under general anaesthetic.
Following the operation however, she would not open her mouth to eat or talk and was given a feeding tube on the ward.
She was discharged on 17 November and was taken home on the understanding a bed would still be waiting for her in hospital.
Despite attempts to feed her and contact with a psychologist, Sophie's health deteriorated and eventually she could hardly walk.
She was found dead in her bed at home on 2 December.
She lost 11kg (23lbs) in the month before she died.
'Emotional and distressing'
Cornwall Coroner Dr Emma Carlyon, who recorded a narrative verdict, said the severity of her condition was not realised and this "prevented her from receiving the medical support that could have prevented her death".
A family friend, Elaine Panks, read a statement on behalf of the family.
It said: "It has been a very emotional and distressing time. No words can express how we have felt and feel and still feel.
"The only justification for Sophie's death is that procedures have and will be changed and will hopefully save another child's life."