Oral health

Over 282,000 people are waiting for oral surgery

Data released by NHS England has revealed that over 282,000 people were waiting for oral surgery on the NHS at the end of November 2022, an increase of 87.6 per cent since the beginning of the year. 

The effect of oral health on HIV

For people living with HIV, gum disease and tooth decay can cause severe problems and may impact the effectiveness of treatments to keep the virus at bay.

Child left with severe decay after a “hopeless” search for a dentist

Six-year-old Madina Faqirzai has been suffering from black teeth and severe caries due to the inability to find a local dentist.

Could cannabis use, oral bacteria and brain function be linked?

Wei Jiang, a professor of Microbiology and Immunology at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), has focused her research on discerning how cannabis smoking affects oral health and alters...

Research directly links infected teeth and Alzheimer’s disease

A new study by researchers at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)’s School of Dentistry has revealed that Alzheimer’s disease may potentially be spread from infected teeth via dental...

NHS update: Incorporating a skill mix

The January 2023 update from Ali Sparke, director for dentistry, and Rebecca Harris, deputy chief dental officer, opened by expressing plans to support the “development of skill mix in dentistry”.

Jaw surgery technique cures over 50 per cent of sleep apnea cases

Dentists will already know that any activity within the oral cavity can be linked to breathing. Positioning dentists as a key mechanism for identifying conditions such as obtrusive sleep apnea (OSA).

“A living nightmare”: Years of pain results in £25,000 settlement

Audra Weston, a 55-year-old cleaner from York, received £25,000 in an out-of-court settlement following being “left with almost no front teeth.”

Welsh government prioritising new patients

The British Dental Association (BDA) has urged the Welsh Government to correct the record, following misleading claims that 112,000 “extra” dental appointments have been secured by recent reforms. 

Helping your patients prevent oral disease

Kimberly Lloyd Reese discusses the importance of creating a great routine.

Anti-inflammatory drugs for children could cause enamel defects

According to research from University of Sao Paulo, anti-inflammatory medications commonly taken by children could contribute to dental enamel defects (DEDs).

Toothbrushes a “luxury item” for children

In an interview with The BMJ, Dr Camilla Kingdon, president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, has argued that the cost of living crisis has aggravated the problems with children’s...