Gillian MacQueen explores the importance of at home oral hygiene.
Over the last five years, the number of patients being seen within 18 weeks of an oral surgery referral has steadily declined. The NHS expects 92 per cent of patients on this waiting list to be seen within that time, this target has not been met since 2016. Many patients in the UK are also struggling to access regular dental and hygiene appointments, it’s more important than ever that patients understand how to properly maintain their oral hygiene at home, to help prevent a nasty shock when they are next able to visit the dentist.
Accessing NHS treatment
Patients in the UK are struggling to see an NHS dentist with some facing a wait time of 26 months – this is having an impact on patients’ oral health as they aren’t able to have regular checkups and hygiene appointments to keep on top of oral health. Problems which could have been picked up early and treated simply, may require more intensive procedures. For example, if a patient needs to wait a long time for treatment of caries, what could have needed a simple filling may become infected and require a root canal. This means that patients have to spend more time and money on treatment.
For some patients who are able, switching to private dental care is the only remaining option – allowing them access to more regular appointments. For some patients, this simply isn’t possible. As such, there have been many reports of individuals performing ‘DIY dentistry’ with patients attempting to perform dental treatment themselves – including extracting their own teeth to relieve themselves of pain. This is, of course, very dangerous and there is no easy solution here.
Supporting patients in maintaining oral health
To support patients who are feeling worried or uncertain about when they might next see their dentist or dental hygienist, be sure to remind them of the importance of at home oral hygiene. Even when waiting times are at normal levels, effective oral hygiene routines are patients’ first defence against gingivitis and caries, and could save them a huge amount of time and money on dental treatment. A patient’s diet can also affect oral health. Remind them of the importance of a balanced diet, which is low in sugar, to reduce the risk of developing caries and inflamed gingiva. Encourage your patients to increase intake of fibre to minimise the absorption of sugar, calcium to inhibit caries, and wholemeal foods as they require more chewing and therefore stimulate saliva. In addition, patients should be reminded to drink plenty of water, as this helps to neutralise the acids in the mouth, further preventing the risk of caries.
Effective oral hygiene
Performing effective oral hygiene is vital for keeping the mouth healthy and preventing disease. Patients should choose their oral care products carefully, selecting those which include ingredients that neutralise acids and offer lasting protection – this is particularly important for preventing caries and gingivitis. Arm & Hammer 100 per cent Natural Baking Soda Whitening Protection Toothpaste contains baking soda, a gentle abrasive that gently lifts staining and neutralises the acids found in everyday food and drink – the formula also remineralises tooth enamel. It also contains 1450ppm of fluoride to offer lasting protection against caries, helping to keep teeth and gums healthy. Support patients by offering them practical advice for preventing oral diseases such as caries and gingivitis. By having access to the preventative measures they need to keep their mouths healthy, patients are able to maintain their oral hygiene and reduce the risk of developing problems from home. This will mean that, when they next visit their dentist for a checkup, they will be less likely to require more extensive and therefore more expensive intervention.
References available on request.