An experiment by researchers in Spain has shown that exposing human gingival cells to compounds found in red wine appeared to protect against microbes that cause plaque and cavities. The authors suggested the molecules should be tested as “preventative therapies” for various oral diseases. Here in the UK, Prof Walmsley urges caution.
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The Bradford Telegraph and Argus has started a new campaign as Bradford's oral health and dentistry reaches 'crisis point'. It is supported by Bradford South MP Judith Cummins who, has campaigned on this issue since being elected and said the problems the district’s children face in terms of their dental health were “appalling”.
Read more: Bradford MP campaigns for better NHS dental care in her area
The USA Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted an increase in dental personnel treated for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) at one Tertiary Care Center in Virginia, 2000–2015. However it says that ‘No clear etiology has been identified, but occupational exposures are possible’, perhaps due to inadequate face mask protection.
Read more: CDC puzzled over increase of lung disease in dentists
Higher patient charges for NHS dental care in 2017/18 have been announced, not in a ministerial statement but through an amendment to the regulations. These changes amount to a 5% increase. GDPC chair, Henrik Overgaard-Nielsen, said: “These unprecedented charge hikes are self-defeating, and simply discourage the patients who need us most from seeing an NHS dentist.”
A free poster promoting Dental Check by One is now available on the website of the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD). Dental practices which support the initiative can download and print the A4 poster to display in their reception areas. http://bspd.co.uk/Resources/Dental-Check-by-One
The GDC has published its annual Patient and Public Survey. Patient satisfaction with UK dental care remains very high at 97% of patients who have visited their dentist in the last year. Perhaps even more encouragingly, the number who say they are ‘very satisfied’ has increased by 6% over the last five years to 67%.