Levels of tooth decay among adults similar to those last seen in 1998

LEVELS of tooth decay among adults in England are now similar to those last seen more than 25 years ago, according to new figures.

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More than four in 10 had obvious signs of rotten teeth, up from 28% in 2009 and similar to levels in 1998.

This was described as “almost a reversal of the previous improvement" by the latest Adult Oral Health Survey (AOHS).

Experts also said the findings are “deeply alarming".

The AOHS 2023 provides the first picture of adult oral health in England for more than a decade.

Some 2,285 people were interviewed for the study, while 1,619 also had an oral examination.