London’s Dental Access Struggles Lead to Fluoride Push

Recent data reveals a concerning trend in the capital, with fewer than 40 per cent of adults in London accessing NHS dental services between March 2022 and March 2024. According to figures from a study published by the London Assembly Health Committee, just 39 per cent of adults sought care from the NHS during this two-year period. Alarmingly, 54 per cent of the respondents indicated they did not attempt to book an appointment with the NHS, with 25 per cent of those stating they preferred to pay for private care instead.

This situation has raised alarms about the growing gap in access to affordable dental care, especially as oral health is critical to overall wellbeing. Chair of the London Assembly Health Committee, Krupesh Hirani AM, emphasized the need for accessible dental services, stating, “Good oral health is essential for overall wellbeing. There are things we can do to look after our teeth, but we should be able to get an appointment when it is needed. Access to healthcare should be a right not a privilege, and that includes dentistry.”

Calls for Fluoridation of London’s Water Supply

In light of these findings, the London Assembly Health Committee has called on the Mayor of London to advocate for increased awareness of dental hygiene, including the potential fluoridation of the city’s water supply. The committee is urging the Mayor to review the feasibility of fluoridating London’s water by 2025, citing troubling statistics on tooth decay and limited access to dental services as key reasons for this proposal.

Krupesh Hirani AM further remarked, “London should smile with pride at its dental care – that sadly isn’t the case at the moment.” The call for fluoridation reflects growing concern that preventative measures, such as water fluoridation, could help address widespread dental issues across the capital.

Widespread Tooth Decay Among London’s Children

The report also highlighted the state of oral health among children in London, with figures showing that 53 per cent of children accessed NHS dental services in the year following March 2023. However, tooth decay remains a persistent problem, particularly among younger children. The study found that a quarter of five-year-olds in the city had experienced tooth decay between 2021 and 2022.

Geographical disparities in tooth decay rates were also evident. Lewisham had the lowest prevalence of tooth decay among five-year-olds, with only 12.4 per cent affected, while Brent reported the highest rate at 46.0 per cent. These figures underscore the need for further investment in dental care and preventive measures across the city.

Recommendations for Government Action

The Health Committee’s investigation, which gathered evidence from several organizations, including the British Dental Association, has outlined several recommendations to address these issues. One key proposal is for the Mayor to lobby the Government for reforms to the dental contract by the end of the year. Additionally, the committee has urged local authorities to expand supervised toothbrushing programs in schools to promote better oral hygiene habits from a young age.

A spokesperson for the Mayor of London responded to these recommendations, acknowledging the challenges many Londoners face in accessing dental care. “The Mayor has no powers over the commissioning or provision of dental or other health care, but he is concerned about the challenges many Londoners face accessing dental services, following significant cuts by the previous government,” the spokesperson said. “He is encouraged by the new Government’s focus on improving NHS services and welcomes its Dentistry Rescue Plan which aims to prevent poor dental health.”

Conclusion

The current state of dental care in London highlights significant challenges in accessing affordable services and maintaining good oral health. The call for fluoridation of the city’s water supply and improvements to dental contracts underscores the urgency of addressing these issues. As the London Assembly Health Committee continues to advocate for better access to dental care, the focus remains on ensuring that oral health is prioritized as part of overall wellbeing. The Mayor’s response will likely be crucial in shaping future initiatives aimed at improving dental health in London.