Almost 40% of the UK cannot afford an appointment with their dentist due to the cost of living crisis.
According to a new report, of those who cannot afford the dentist, millennials are struggling the most.
Carried out by vouchercodes.co.uk, the analysis also reveals that half (47%) of those aged 25 to 34 avoid the dentist in the face of the current economic climate.
This compares to just over a quarter (27%) of those over the age of 55 – a significant percentage despite being the lowest among the age groups analysed.
Women are also more likely to say that cost implications mean they avoid getting their teeth checked at 42%. This compares to just over a third of men (35%).
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Financial struggles
But it is not just dentistry that is affected. Nearly one quarter (22%) also avoid seeing their GP due to the fear that they cannot afford prescriptions.
One in ten respondents plan on seeking support to help with stress caused by the cost of living crisis.
The implications of rising costs have hit the headlines in recent weeks, with one patient even flying to Nepal to secure cheaper and more available dental care.
He detailed his decision to jet over to fix his dental decay after failing to secure a dental appointment in the UK. The story – reported in The Telegraph – is one of many instances of dental tourism to surface in recent months.
It reads: ‘After trying in the UK and failing to get an appointment with the NHS dentist… it seemed a logical option to to have teeth repaired abroad.’
The man flew out to a clinic on the outskirts of Kathmandu, Nepal, where he received five fillings – costing a total of £130.
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