The association’s statement follows MPs debating the prospect of extending free NHS dentistry to cancer patients.
Patients are entitled to free NHS dental care if they are pregnant when they start treatment and 12 months after the baby is born. But uptake for both groups has crashed during the pandemic.
In the five years prior to the pandemic, an average of over 840,000 maternity claims were made per year. This crashed to 245,967 in 2020/21, to 490,298 in 2021/22, and to just 542,353 by 2022/23, leaving an estimated 1,241,838 maternity appointments lost since lockdown.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make gums more vulnerable to plaque, leading to inflammation and bleeding. Changes in dietary habits and morning sickness can also damage teeth. Research also suggests that fever or infections from dental problems can cause serious adverse effects for both mother and child.
The BDA believes charges are the wrong way to fund NHS dentistry, and says many groups have a strong case for exemption. However, it stresses this data shows there really isn’t enough NHS
Eddie Crouch, BDA chair said, “Many patients have a strong claim for free NHS dentistry, but sadly those who already have it are seeing few benefits.
“Pregnant women and new mums are eligible because of the material risk to their teeth and gums. But 1.25m have missed out, and there’s little sign of recovery.
“Government needs to park the spin, and deliver a serious plan to restore access to millions.”