HALF of Swindon children are missing out on free dental check-ups, new figures show.

Data published this week by the NHS revealed that 26,245 under-18s were seen in Swindon and Shrivenham by NHS dentists in the last 12 months.

The number represents just under 47 per cent of the estimated 50,000 children living in the Swindon area.

Children under-18 are entitled to free dental treatment with NHS registered dentists.

Reacting to the news, Swindon public health bosses urged people to maintain good oral health.

The statistics show a huge jump in the number of fissure sealants applied to children’s teeth. The plastic coating are painted on to back teeth, preventing decay-causing bacteria from getting stuck in the grooves. Last year, 1,146 fissure sealants were applied by Swindon dentists – up from 181 the year before.

The number of teeth extracted has increased slightly, from 1,758 in 2015/16 to 1,962 last year.

However, dentists fitted fewer tooth inlays – a filling used to mend larger tooth cavities – last year compared to previous years.

Cherry Jones, Swindon Borough Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “We cannot stress enough how important it is to have a healthy mouth. Good oral hygiene and oral health can improve people’s overall health, reducing the risk of serious disease.

“Children with poor oral health can suffer pain, be embarrassed to smile, and have difficulty in eating. They can also have problems socialising, while their development may be impaired.”

Council health bosses recommend that people brush their teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, cut down on sugary food and drink, and regularly visit their dentist.

The statistics published by NHS Digital also show there has been a significant rise in the number of dentists providing NHS care in the town: from 72 in 2011/12 to 106 in 2016/17.

Although the number of adults receiving NHS dental treatment has remained the same at around 78,000, the amount paid in fees has risen by £200,000 in a year.

In 2016/17, Swindon patients paid £2.94 million in fees – up from £2.74 million the year before.

Across England, almost half of adults have not seen an NHS dentist in the last two years, the figures show.

Dentists’ group the British Dental Association have said that the statistics show the need for a health strategy based on preventing tooth disease – rather than just treating it.

Henrik Overgaard-Nielsen, chair of general dental practice at the British Dental Association, said: “Government's chief concerns remain keeping patient numbers down and charge revenue rolling in. Far from delivering savings this approach is feeding a false economy, and piling huge pressures across the NHS.”

NHS England, which commissions NHS dental care, were approached for comment.