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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Jamie Grierson

People pulling own teeth due to lack of urgent NHS dental care in England, watchdog finds

A cup of mouthwash on a sink next to a dentist's chair
Patients who experience a sudden dental crisis are meant to be able to get help from their own dentist or by calling NHS 111. Photograph: Leon Neal/Getty Images

People needing emergency dental care in England are being denied help from the NHS despite guidance saying that it should be available, in some cases resorting to risky self-treatment such as pulling out their own teeth, the patient watchdog has found.

Patients who experience a sudden dental crisis such as a broken tooth, abscess or severe tooth pain are meant to be able to get help from their dentist or by calling NHS 111.

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