Dental topics in the news this year focus our attention on a healthy mouth for life.

We’re four months into 2018, a good time for a quick review of some of the dental topics in the news this year. Current topics in dental health focus  on great oral health for the whole family through good education and care at home.

Concern for the health of our children.

Probably the most reported topic over the last four month has been the state of our children’s teeth. As tooth decay is 95% preventable, why are so many young children having their teeth taken out under anaesthetic in hospital? We have the tools and the technology these days to make tooth decay a historical memory

• Babies should visit the dentist as soon as their first tooth erupts, if not before. They should certainly go before turning a year old. Becoming used to going to the dentist is important. The campaign for babies to have a Dental Check by One promotes the need to care for even the youngest teeth.
• Children should make regular visits to the dentist. The NHS covers the cost for children under 18 (or under 19 if still in full time education) to have dental treatment. NHS Starting Well is supporting children’s oral health.
• Teenagers need to protect themselves against cancers caused by human papilloma virus (HPV). While girls are routinely vaccinated, there is a need for young men to be vaccinated too.  As head and neck cancer linked to HPV is increasing world-wide, it’s time to review the need for HPV vaccinations to protect young men. During a dental examination, your dentist checks the soft tissue of your mouth and lips for signs of cancer. Which is one more good reason to keep up the six monthly visits.
• Fluoride, in our drinking water, in our oral hygiene products, or topically applied, is also in the news as regions debate the advantages and disadvantages of fluoridated water.
• The sugar tax is in, and is one measure to protect our teeth and our general health. As consumers we’re also becoming more conscious of what’s in the products we buy. Healthy eating is a trend that can only be good for us!

Tooth whitening is a huge trend.

Perhaps it’s the smiling celebrities with fantastic teeth who are always in the news! Perhaps we simply associate whiter teeth with good oral hygiene and a pleasing smile.

Whatever the reason, we all want to have whiter teeth, but it needs to be done safely. Recipes on social media, or off-the-shelf packages promising miracles, are not the best investment. Some of them are just disappointing, and not worth the money. Others can actually damage the enamel of our teeth, leading to sensitivity or even expensive corrective treatment.

Do you want to brighten up your smile? If so, it’s best to play it safe. You can rely on your dental practice to give good advice, taking time to discuss your expectations and balance them with realistic outcomes.

Dentists these days offer a wide range of cosmetic dental treatments and facial rejuvenation treatments. As no-one knows your face better than your dentist, it’s worth putting yourself in their hands!

SpaDental dental topics in the news:

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