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Adult Tooth Decay Soars in England: Back to 1998 Levels
9 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Adult tooth decay rates in England have risen to levels not seen in over 25 years.
- Over 40% of adults show signs of decay, a significant increase since 2009.
- Fewer adults attend regular dental check-ups, citing access and cost issues.
Oral health among adults in England has significantly deteriorated, with tooth decay rates now mirroring those from over 25 years ago. The latest Adult Oral Health Survey reveals that more than four in 10 adults exhibit obvious signs of decay, a stark increase from previous years. This reversal of progress is described as 'deeply alarming' by experts, who note a concerning trend.
Access to dental care has become a major barrier, with a substantial number of adults unable to find a dentist or afford treatment. Consequently, regular dental check-ups have seen a decline. Many individuals now only seek dental care when experiencing problems, leading to potentially urgent conditions affecting their quality of life, including difficulties with eating and increased pain, particularly in more deprived areas.
