Dentistry 'needs urgent reform' says OFT

Some dentists are misleading their patients about their right to NHS treatment so they will pay for private treatment instead, according to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).

It carried out a study of NHS and private dentistry in the UK.

The OFT found that about 500,000 people a year were given the wrong information about their treatment options.

Overall, however, the OFT found that most patients were satisfied with their dentists' services.

In response to the report Health Minister Lord Howe said: "We welcome this study, which has found that the vast majority of patients are happy with their dental treatment - and that the vast majority of dentists behave ethically.


"However, denying patients care on the basis of misinformation is a very serious matter - any dentist that does this risks breaching their contract and we would expect the local NHS to take action."

The OFT discovered several important problems with the availability of dentists' services and the choices for patients.

The regulator concluded that the supply of dentistry in the UK was in need of urgent reform.

"Our study has raised significant concerns about the UK dentistry market which need to be tackled quickly in the interest of patients," said John Fingleton, the OFT's chief executive.

"All too often patients lack access to the information they need, for example when choosing a dentist or when getting dental treatment.

"We also unearthed evidence that some patients may be receiving deliberately inaccurate information about their entitlement to NHS dental treatment, and we expect to see robust action taken against such potential misconduct by dentists," he added.

Source : bbc.co.uk

Healthy Body, Healthy Smile: What Good Nutrition Can Do for You

Quick! Make a mental list of habits that have an impact on your dental health.

You thought about brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups, right? Those are all hugely beneficial in keeping your teeth healthy, it’s true. But did you know that your diet has a big influence on your dental health? To really address the overall issue, let’s dig a little.

Many people don’t realize that a balanced diet with good nutrition is a key element in keeping a smile attractive and healthy. The same vitamins and minerals that keep your body in great shape are equally beneficial to your teeth. A few powerhouse players include:

• Calcium and Vitamin D
  A proper amount of calcium is very important to maintaining the structure of your teeth, along with phosphorus and magnesium. Vitamin D boosts absorption of the mineral, so a sufficient level of both is essential.

• Vitamins A, C, and B complex
  If you’re wanting to preserve and protect tooth enamel, vitamin A is essential. Deficiency in this vitamin can contribute to problems like gum disease, overgrown gums, and more. You may not know it, but vitamin C is responsible for increasing the health and efficiency of small oxygen- and nutrient-delivering capillaries throughout the body. A deficiency in vitamin C could mean loose teeth, mouth sores, and even bleeding gums. You can count on vitamin B complex to keep reduce the chance of cracked and bleeding lips, as well as open sores and lesions on the inside and outside of your mouth.

• Fluoride
  Tap water provides a good source of this tooth decay prevention agent, and nearly all toothpastes contain fluoride as an active ingredient as well. Fluoride helps to strengthen your teeth’s enamel, in tandem with calcium and phosphorus. Other minerals that are beneficial to good dental health include zinc, iodine, iron, and potassium. All of which are readily available in a balanced, nutritious diet.

So if you want to keep those pearly whites strong and beautiful for the years to come, pay attention to the fuel you’re giving your body. A healthy body and a secure smile—there’s no downside to good nutrition. Remember: if you are good to your teeth, they’ll be good to you too!

Source: bestdentistnews.com