The number of people who are registered with a dentist has dropped by ten per cent in the last decade.
Figures revealed by the Liberal Democrats show only 47 per cent are registered in Brighton and Hove and East Sussex.
Even with children, there has been a drop of six per cent in five years, bringing the percentage registered to 61.
Brighton and Hove City Council Liberal Democrat leader Paul Elgood said the area was heading for a dental crisis.
He said: "Dentists are leaving the NHS in droves and the number of people registered with an NHS dentist has fallen alarmingly."
Councillor Elgood said the low figure for children was particularly worrying.
The figures were released in the Commons following a question from Liberal Democrat MP Dr Evan Harris.
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