Dental Experts Issue Warning After Survey Reveals 1 In 5 Would Pull Their Teeth
Experts from the British Dental Health Foundation have issued a warning after a survey revealed that 1 in 5 people would pull their own teeth out to save on dental fees.
A survey, which involved more than 2,000 British adults, revealed that 17 per cent of people said that they would attempt to pull their own tooth out, while 4 per cent would ask a friend to help. The survey was conducted by the British Dental Health Foundation as part of National Smile Month, which will run until the 19th June.
Dr Nigel Carter OBE, chief executive of the BDHF, warned that DIY dentistry can be extremely dangerous and often results in higher dental costs, as patients have to pay for their teeth to be fixed. Dr Carter also advised patients to seek help from a trained dentist if they have dental issues, as it is very easy to make the situation worse. He used what he called “senseless examples” to highlight the dangers, including removing the wrong tooth and ending up with tooth infections.
The BDHF survey also revealed that 69 per cent of children and 56 per cent of adults have seen their dentist within the last two years. A large number of adults admitted that they had avoided going to the dentist frequently because of cost.
Dental experts are hoping that the introduction of direct access services will increase the number of patients receiving routine dental care. Patients can now book an appointment with a hygienist directly and therapists are taking on a greater role within the NHS to cut waiting times and improve access to dental care for patients.
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