Dentists Urge For Simple Changes For Better Oral Health
Dentists across the country are encouraging their patients to make simple changes to their lifestyle and oral hygiene habits to improve their oral and general health.
Dentists are eager for people to do more to protect their teeth and gums as part of a renewed interest in oral hygiene and preventative dentistry, which has been encouraged by the government as a means of modernising NHS dentistry and making the dental care system more efficient and effective.
The NHS is currently piloting new projects to modernise and adapt the current dental contract, which was introduced by the previous government and has attracted widespread criticism for many years. The pilot project has been under way for 12 months and the government recently announced that it would be expanded, with 25 extra practices taking part. The aim of the pilot scheme is to identify problems with the current system and find new, effective ways to improve patient care and service and make the working environment better for dentists and dental professionals.
Dentists claim that making very small changes can make a huge difference; spitting, for example, is usually condemned in society but for dentists, it helps to improve oral health. Spitting, rather than rinsing, after brushing, allows more fluoride to be absorbed, which gives the teeth better protection.
Health minister, Lord Howe, is heavily involved in the creation of the new dental contract and he said that he is confident that the new contract will help to modernise NHS dentistry and provide patients and dentists with a better system.
The pilot scheme is trialling new ways to boost standards of oral health and according to Dr Barry Cockcroft, chief dental officer for England, it has so far been a great success. Dr Cockcroft said that the pilot project has been given very positive feedback from dentists and patients. Twenty five new practices will join the pilot scheme in April 2013.
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