Dental professionals need to take more action to ensure the public continue to improve their oral health, experts have claimed.
The British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF) has called for increased support from dentists to promote the benefits of healthy teeth and gums amid government cuts.
Following the organisation's success over the past 12 months, the BDHF has predicted that the ongoing recession could place pressure on campaign funds.
After spending £998,464 on oral health promotion last year, the foundation has called for alternative methods to continue its educational work.
Chief executive Dr Nigel Carter said: "There is growing concern that the economic slow-down is affecting oral health promotion and putting hard won improvements over recent years at risk."
Yesterday (June 14th), the BDHF announced the end of this year's National Smile Campaign, which aimed to educate people of varying ages about the benefits of oral hygiene.
As part of the scheme, the foundation urged medical professionals to get involved to encourage healthier teeth and gums throughout their local towns.