Number of Dental Visits Falls In Brighton

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Adults and children in Brighton and Hove are visiting their dentist less frequently, according to the latest figures.

Figures suggest that 148,767 people saw their dentist in the last two years, a drop from 154,486 in the previous two-year period. Experts have warned that missing dental appointments increases the risk of oral diseases, which can in turn increase the chance of developing general medical conditions. Skipping appointments means that dentists are unable to detect early warning signs of gum disease, decay and oral cancer and this means that conditions are likely to be an advanced stage when they are finally diagnosed.

Health bosses say that the fall in dental visits is not a result of problems with access to dental services in the county, as there are plenty of places available at many different practices in Brighton and the surrounding towns.

Figures for East Sussex and West Sussex were more promising, with an increase in dental visits in both parts of the county.

A spokeswoman for NHS Sussex said that the trust is continuing to invest in dental services and working to improve NHS services to ensure that patients are able to access to “high quality dental care.” She added that there are several practices in the county accepting new patients and urged anyone who is looking to register with a practice to call the dental helpline on 0300 1000 899.

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