Dental Check-Ups Avoided by Squeezed Brits

Four in ten Brits can't afford to visit the dentist, a study revealed yesterday (Friday).

Researchers found the escalating costs have got so much for one in nine - or two million - that they have avoided check-ups for more than five years, while a quarter have dodged the chair for 18 months.

Another one in four said that dental appointments are considered a ‘luxury rather than a necessity' in their house and fall low down on their list of priorities.

But have of parents also admitted to taking their children for their first dental appointment too late, with more than one in ten kids getting a filling before they were five.

A third of parents admitted their child was under ten when they had their first filling.

The Simplyhealth study of 10,000 UK respondents found that although people now find it easier to get an NHS dentist many feel that it doesn't cover as much as it used to and that they don't receive the same level of treatment and as a result they feel that a trip to the dentist is an expense many can't afford.

James Glover from Simplyhealth says: "Individuals and families are now able to see a dentist much more easily, which is great. However, it's worrying that cost is forcing so many people to delay seeing their dentists, especially as NHS dental charges increased at the beginning of April. That's the reason we offer dental plans as so many people wanted help in managing the costs of routine visits to the dentist. Hopefully this will help encourage individuals to visit their dentist on a regular basis, without having to worry about the cost"

The survey also uncovered a lack of understanding about what a dentist can do with  three quarters of people saying they didn't think their dentist would be able to pick up if they had symptoms of oral cancer.

In addition 20% say they don't feel that they are being asked to see their dentist as regularly.

As a result, 31% of children have had to make at least one emergency visit to the dentist in the past five years.

Nearly one in ten adults say they are so embarrassed by the state of their teeth that they avoid the dentist and nearly one in five say they are scared of their dentist.

Simplyhealth's Dental Advisor, Michael Thomas, says: "The perceived drop in the quality of treatment that patients receive is really unfortunate as the NHS is doing such a good job of increasing the number of people its dentists see. However, we are advised that the issue is not being ignored and is included within the Government's on-going reform plans."

"It's important that more is done to educate people about the consequences of poor oral health, as research suggests that poor oral health is associated with a greater risk of a stroke and heart disease. Dentists can provide a wealth of information and support for all the family, but patients need to know how to get the most from their appointments."

More than a third say they have been given a bill for more than £150 from their dentist in the last year with a large percentage of these people having to pay their bill by credit card.