Tooth decay in England is significantly worse than it was 16 years ago, shows a major national survey of England’s adult oral health involving UCL researchers.
The latest Adult Oral Health Survey (AOHS), commissioned by the Government’s Office for Health Improvements and Disparities (OHID) - Department of Health and Social Care - shows that more than four in 10 people (41%) had obvious signs of tooth decay when examined, up from 28% in 2009 and similar to levels in 1998. These national surveys have been taking place since 1968.
The survey was conducted by a consortium led by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), including academics from the Dental Public Health Group at UCL, and provides the first comprehensive picture of adult oral health in England for more than a decade. Some 2,285 people were interviewed for the study, while 1,619 also had an oral examination.
When using the most sensitive measure of tooth decay - which also assesses enamel decay - almost two-thirds (64%) had decay in one or more teeth.
More than four in 10 people (42%) said their oral health impacted their daily life, up from 33% in 2009, while almost one in five (19%) had potentially urgent conditions such as dental pain and deep decay. Regular attendance to the dentist has fallen.
Professor George Tsakos, based at UCL’s Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, who was one of the academics who worked on the survey, said: "These findings are deeply alarming. Earlier oral health gains have been reversed and we are now back to the levels of untreated tooth decay last seen in 1998.
"More adults are reporting that the poor state of their teeth and mouth is affecting their quality of life, such as causing difficulty eating, than in previous surveys.
"The survey also shows that adults in more deprived areas are suffering disproportionately higher levels of oral disease, report levels of pain up to three times higher and worse quality of life due to their oral health. At the same time, they are also finding it harder to get a dental appointment than those in more affluent areas.
"This presents a considerable public health challenge and is an area that we need to look at as a priority. Decay is caused by sugar and we need prevention strategies which address that such as the recent planned extension of the sugar levy to high-sugar drinks including milk-based drinks."
Dr Anja Heilmann (UCL Department of Epidemiology & Public Health), who also worked on the survey, said: "Prevention is key and must include all stages of life from childhood to older age as part of a wider public health strategy, because oral and general health belong together. For example, reducing sugar consumption does not only prevent tooth decay, but also obesity and other health conditions."
Other findings included that just over half (52%) of people told the survey they would go to the dentist for a check-up, down from 61% in 2009, while 35% said they only go when they are having problems (up from 27% in 2009).
Four in 10 said they were unable to find a dentist, while 31% said they cannot afford to pay.
Elsewhere, the survey found very few adults now have no natural teeth. Some 2.5% reported having no natural teeth, down from 6% in 2009.
The consortium was led by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) and included dental academics with experience of oral epidemiology from the Department of Dentistry at the University of Birmingham, the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences at King’s College London, the School of Dental Sciences at Newcastle University, and the Dental Public Health Group at the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at University College London.
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