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The study found players were relying on a pre-season check-up rather than visiting the dentist regularly, with one in five having not attended the dentist in more than two years.

Utah has become the first state to ban fluoride in public drinking water, despite widespread opposition from dentists and national health organizations.

Peers had attempted to secure exemptions for hospices, care homes, GP practices, dentists and pharmacies - but MPs rejected their plans.

"And even then, I think basic degrees in nursing, doctors, dentists - is not enough," he said.

He said GPs, dentists, community pharmacists and care homes were all "deeply worried" about the rise.