Author Archives: Nicola Watson

A visit to the dentist could save your life!

A recent article in the British Dental Journal makes the case for the dental profession being uniquely placed to spot early signs of mouth cancer. The point is being discussed at Westminster and the idea has cross party support. The British Dental Association has joined with Cancer Research UK to launch a “toolkit” to help dentists and other dental professionals identify the early signs of mouth cancer which poses a serious threat to public health.

Dentists’ Warning!

An article intoday’s Daily Mail warns of a “crisis” in dental health care. It was revealed that 400 dentists had written to the Daily Telegraph complaining about the lack of NHS resources in dealing with a growing dental health crisis with many adult patients being ignorant of the most basic dental hygiene.

An online poll conducted by the British Dental Health Foundation has shown that
parents are taking action against traditional sugar based sweets with almost 50% of those surveyed
saying they had would seriously consider giving their children a healthier sugar free alternative.
Statistics revealed earlier in the year showed that 26,000 primary school aged children were admitted
to hospital due to tooth decay in the last 12 months.

Christmas can be a high risk period for children’s dental health.

An Australian University study over a prolonged period found that prevention is nearly always better than cure!
The need for fillings could be reduced by up to 50%.

Professor Wendell Evans from the University of Sydney advocates a Caries Management System (CMS):
procedures which cover the assessment of decay risk, the correct use of X-rays,
and treating early decay before it develops into an actual cavity.

The CMS has 4 main elements:

1. Use of high concentration fluoride where there is evidence of early decay.

2. Teaching better tooth brushing skills

3. Educating patients about the dangers of “snacking” and high sugar drinks.

4. Monitoring patients at most risk.

A new therapy could help people with a dental phobia. Fear of visits to the dentist can be overcome by cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) enabling the patient to receive dental treatment without sedation. A new study by King’s College London has published its findings in the British Dental Journal.

It was found that patients with dental phobias typically have poorer dental health and experience more dental pain and discomfort.