A Quarter Of People In Croydon Have Not Tried To See An NHS Dentist
Recent figures have revealed that almost a quarter of people in Croydon have not attempted to see an NHS dentist in the last two years.
Figures released by the Office of National Statistics showed that 23 per cent of the locals have not arranged to see an NHS dentist over the course of the last 24 months.
The figures for Croydon were slightly higher than the national average, which was 22 per cent.
Worryingly, figures also showed that 28 per cent of people had not seen a dentist for the last two years, with most citing the reason – they didn’t need to go.
Dentists recommend regular check-ups every 6-9 months, so the figures will cause concern among public health and dental experts. Avoiding the dentist for two years is likely to increase the risk of oral diseases, such as tooth decay and gum disease and recent studies have indicated that poor oral health is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, some forms of cancer, diabetes and strokes.
Many patients don’t try for dental appointments because they assume that there are no NHS dental practices accepting new patients. However, there are places available in the vast majority of towns within the UK and patients are advised to contact their local health board or visit the NHS Choices website to find out about services in their area.
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