The number of people seeking help for dental problems in the UK's Accident and Emergency departments has quadrupled since 2010, according to reports.
In 2010/2011, 3,305 people visited an A& E department for urgent dental care, but the figure has reached 14,526 cases in 2012/2013, The Mirror said.
Christina McAnea, head of health at Unison told The Mirror the increase in dental cases was due to the fact that people were struggling to afford to see a dentist.
She blamed the austerity measures implemented by the coalition government and said that people were using hospitals because they provide free treatment.
Meanwhile the British Dental Association has warned that missing out on routine check-ups to save money would increase the risk of oral diseases, leading to higher costs, when treatment was needed.
Colin Perry, corporate channel manager at Denplan said to COVER: "These are really shocking statistics, and highlight how important dental employee benefits can be. Whether fully or part funded, they provide an ideal opportunity for regular, preventive dental care at an affordable level, to reduce the risk of needing emergency treatment.
"They also only cost around £4 per employee, per month with Denplan and this includes emergency care, just in case, so there really shouldn't be any need for such drastic action."
