What are the latest tooth decay rates for adults in England according to the AOHS?

The latest Adult Oral Health Survey (AOHS) found that over 40% of adults in England exhibit obvious signs of tooth decay, a level not seen since 1998.

Why has tooth decay increased among adults in England?

Experts attribute the rise in tooth decay to difficulties in accessing NHS dental appointments and the unaffordability of private dental fees, alongside factors like sugar consumption.

How does the AOHS data compare to previous years?

The survey indicates a reversal of previous oral health improvements, with current decay levels similar to those in 1998 and higher than in 2009.

Home / Health / UK Adults' Decay Soars: 25-Year High!

UK Adults' Decay Soars: 25-Year High!

9 Dec

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Summary

Adult tooth decay in England now matches 1998 levels.
Over 40% of adults show signs of rotten teeth.
Lack of NHS appointments and high fees cause decline.

New figures reveal that adult tooth decay in England has reached a 25-year high, mirroring levels last observed in 1998. The latest Adult Oral Health Survey indicates that over 40% of adults now show obvious signs of decay, a significant increase from previous years. This reversal of oral health gains is described as 'deeply alarming' by experts, who point to systemic issues impacting dental care access.

Patients are increasingly blaming difficulties in securing NHS dental appointments and the prohibitive cost of private care for the worsening situation. Almost one in five adults present with urgent conditions like dental pain and deep decay. Furthermore, regular dental check-ups have declined, with a substantial portion of the population reporting an inability to find an NHS dentist or afford private treatment, exacerbating oral health inequalities.

This dental crisis follows critical reports highlighting the failure of government plans to fix NHS dentistry, with patient satisfaction plummeting to record lows. Experts and dental associations are calling for urgent reforms and investment to prevent further decline and address the widening oral health gap. The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledges the inherited issues and states it is implementing measures to increase urgent appointments and reform the dental contract.