Britons 'can't afford dental care'

Around 30% of people aged between 16 and 64 have not had a regular check-up for at least two years.

This is despite one in seven people admitting their teeth are in poor or extremely poor condition, according to dental firm Dentale.

At the same time, a fifth say they have not had dental work that was recommended carried out because of the cost involved.

The research found that an estimated 1.29 million people have also had dental treatment done outside the UK because it was cheaper.

Jason Buglass, of Dentale, said: "Our findings are absolutely shocking.

"We are one of the richest countries in the world but we are known for having bad teeth.

"Our research suggests that one of the main reasons for this is that people cannot afford to go to a dentist."

TNS questioned 1,008 people during February.