LONDON, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- A study released Monday indicates that people in Britain are resorting to yanking out their own teeth when they can't afford the dentist.
The incidents occur when people are unable to find a National Health Service-sponsored dentist, the Telegraph reported Monday.
Nearly a fifth of the more than 5,000 people questioned said that they had missed out on dental work because of the cost and as many as 6 percent treated themselves.
Some people took out their own teeth or fixed broken crowns with glue and one person even pulled out 14 teeth with pliers.
Health Minister Ben Bradshaw conceded Monday that some areas were lacking in NHS dentists.
"I accept that finding an NHS dentist for some people in some areas is a problem," he said. "Anyone who can't get to see an NHS dentist should contact their local primary care trust and get on a list to see one."
