A survey of around 1,000 women revealed that many said they had sacrificed their own dental visits to pay for private care for their loved ones. Some also said they would self-treat with temporary fillings bought online or over-the-counter medications, or even regularly take excessive amounts of painkillers to relieve oral pain.
The survey also revealed that some women were forced to visit emergency departments for dental problems such as severe infections due to a lack of preventive care.
To access affordable dental care, respondents travelled more than 250 miles across the UK and even abroad. Some even took out loans, used credit cards, or even downsized their homes.
The women also described the impact on their children, as some were unable to access dental care during pregnancy or find a dentist for their children.
The survey was part of the Women’s Institute’s Dental Health Matters campaign. Jeryl Stone, president of the National Federation of Women’s Institutions (NFWI), said: “Women across the country are being driven to breaking point by the dental care crisis. The hundreds of women who took part in our research shared heartbreaking stories of personal sacrifice and health risks.”
“We in the Women’s Institutions are united in demanding fair and accessible NHS dental care for every woman and her community – this requires urgent reform of the NHS dental contract and more training places for our future dentists. Dental health is important and so are we.”
Eddie Crouch, president of the British Dental Association, added: “The crisis in NHS dentistry has a unique impact on women across the country. From pregnancy to menopause, women often experience the most serious problems with their care, whether as parents or carers.”
This service is on track, but only if ministers are willing to step up and deliver on their promises. Until then, patients – especially women – will continue to pay the price.
A recent literature review also found that domestic violence has a significant negative impact on women’s oral health outcomes. Victims of abuse can suffer oral trauma, poor oral hygiene habits and higher rates of periodontal disease. The study also found that women who had experienced abuse were more likely to be unable to access dental care due to severe financial difficulties.
Study author Yvonne Clayton said: “Barriers such as psychological distress and social isolation, fear of retaliation and financial constraints make access to dental care more complicated.”
Yvonne suggested that dental therapists could play a key role in identifying and helping victims of domestic violence. She called for dental professionals to be trained to recognize signs of abuse, such as facial injuries or oral symptoms caused by chronic stress such as bruxism.
“Dental therapists can play a key role in identifying and supporting victims of domestic violence through routine screening and timely referrals,” she said.
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