The British Dental Association (BDA) has responded to damning data from the Adult Oral Health Survey (AOHS).

Levels of tooth decay among adults in England are now similar to those last seen more than 25 years ago. More than four in ten people (41%) had obvious signs of rotten teeth when examined, up from 28% in 2009 and similar to levels in 1998.

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This was described as ‘almost a reversal of the previous improvement' by the latest AOHS. The BDA has urged government to double down and ensure promised reforms are underpinned by needed investment.

More than four in ten people (42%) said their oral health impacted their daily life, up from 33% in 2009. Almost one in five (19%) had potentially urgent conditions such as dental pain and deep decay.

Regular attendance to the dentist has fallen. Four in ten said they were unable to find a dentist, while 31% said they cannot afford to pay.

BDA Chair Eddie Crouch said: ‘Hard won gains on oral health are going into reverse. Government need to double down – and deliver promised reforms and vital investment. Without real commitment NHS dentistry won't have a future and the nation's oral health gap will widen further.'