'Time to act on soaring levels of tooth decay'

EXPERTS are calling for action to reduce soaring levels of tooth decay, severe dental disease and a surge in hospitalisations for dangerous infections.

- BY LUCY JOHNSTON Social Affairs Editor

Some resort to DIY dental procedures

The British Dental Association met with health minister Stephen Kinnock last week to demand change. Its spokesperson said a lack of affordable dental care has left millions suffering, with many forced to take out loans or travel hundreds of miles to see a dentist. Some even carry out risky DIY dentistry themselves.

The consequences of this has spilled into hospitals, with a rise in patients needing emergency treatment for dental infections so advanced they have blocked airways, facial swelling and sepsis.

It follows the release of damning findings from the government-funded Adult Oral Health Survey last week — the most comprehensive study of adult oral health in over a decade.