MORE than 80 per cent of people in County Durham have suffered toothache, according to a survey.
And 23 per cent of people only go to the dentist when their teeth are causing problems.
The survey of more than 5,000 adults was carried out last year.
The results are being considered by the county's primary care trusts and the County Durham and Tees Valley Health Authority.
David Landes, the trusts' consultant in dental public health, said: "As the vast majority of dental disease is avoidable, we would like to find ways to improve the dental health of people in our area. We were very pleased that over 80 per cent of people were able to find treatment with an NHS dentist. One of the most surprising results was that over one in five people walk to their dental practice.
"This highlights the importance of consulting local people on the siting of future health care services. The new mobile dental service will help to improve access to people without their own transport in the more isolated parts of the county."
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