FORTY per cent of Trafford residents do not have regular access to a dentist, according to a Healthwatch report.

The document, published by the Trafford-based organisation, was discussed by members of the health and well being scrutiny committee on Tuesday.

Heather Fairfield, chairman of Healthwatch, presented the report and explained that many children and adults are visiting their GP because they are ‘suffering’ with toothache – instead of going to a dentist.

Ms Fairfield said: “We all know the natural place to go with oral health problems is the dentist, but the fear for many people is that it costs too much money."

However, she said the Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Trust does provide dentistry services within Trafford for people with physical and learning disabilities, as well as looked after children and people with anxiety issues.

Committee chairman Rob Chilton said he was ‘shocked’ by the figures and suggested investigating the matter further.

Cllr Judith Lloyd agreed and said she was also concerned about the data. She cited cost as a major contributing factor.

She said: “A lot of people can’t afford to go to the dentist, while some are just scared, and others only visit when they have a toothache."

“This is the difficulty, and the reasons why so many people end up in dental hospitals, which are only supposed see people who have major problems.

“This is a serious issue that is affecting a lot of adults and children and certainly needs addressing.”

Members of the Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Trust voted to receive the report.