British Dental Health Foundation sees rise in calls to Dental Helpline

The British Dental Health Foundation has seen a rise in the number of calls to its Dental Helpline in the last 12 months.

According to figures from the charity, the number of people seeking advice about their dental health over the last year increased by 17 percent compared with the year before, marking the second consecutive annual increase.

Key factors driving this increase include the greater availability and accessibility of cosmetic dentistry, the prominence of sugar and diet issues in the media, and ongoing confusion regarding access to NHS dentists.

The Dental Helpline was originally set up in 1997 and provides callers with free, qualified, trusted and independent advice. It has taken almost half a million calls since its inception.

Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, said: "For almost 20 years we have been, and continue to be, extremely proud of our Dental Helpline, as it strives to maintain and exceed the exceptionally high standards in providing support for anyone who calls us in need for advice."