ISTANBUL

More than 12 million people living in the UK lack access to a National Health Service (NHS) dentist, British media reported.

In England, estimates show that one in four adults are failing to have their dentals needs met, said the local Daily Mirror.

Over the last two years, 6 million people tried to get an appointment but were unable, suggests data by the government. In addition, over 4 million people believed that they would not get an appointment and so decided to not even try.

After looking over the data from the new IPSOS Mori GP Survey, British Dental Association Chair Shawn Charlwood is writing to the health secretary to warn that NHS dentistry faces an “existential threat,” said the daily.

Further data found that over a million patients were discouraged by rising fees for dental care, while 600,000 are languishing on waiting lists.

In a YouGov survey, one in 10 Brits said they resorted to dangerous “do it yourself” dentistry such as pulling out their own teeth.

Last year, 11 million people were deprived of dental health care, with estimates for this year coming in even higher, at 12.3 million.