GOVERNMENT has been urged to restore access to free NHS dentistry services as the British Dental Association (BDA) warns uptake among new mums has crashed with “little signs of recovery” since the pandemic.

Analysis of official data has revealed an estimated 1.2 million maternity appointments have been lost since lockdown.

BDA chairman Eddie Crouch 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. 

“Government needs to park the spin and deliver a serious plan to restore access to millions.”

Pregnant women and those who have given birth in the past 12 months are entitled to free NHS dental care as hormonal changes during pregnancy can make gums more vulnerable.

An average of more than 840,000 maternity claims per year before the pandemic fell to 245,967 in 2020-21, remaining at 542,353 by 2022-23.