A recent study by the Department of Health has found that the rates of tooth decay and gum disease amongst children in the UK have become worse, and are now at levels last seen in the early eighties. According to the study, six out of ten children have either already had tooth decay or gum disease, or are likely to get them. These miserable figures are being attributed to an increase in snacking in between meals and poor oral hygiene.
Another scheme recently launched aims to rate patient’s oral health through following a traffic light system. This is currently being trialled in ninety five dental surgeries. Early results are not good. Some 13% of under-eighteens were given a red rating, showing they already have gum disease or tooth decay, alongside 28% of adults. Approximately one third of children were given an amber rating, alongside half of adults. An amber rating shows they are at serious risk of developing gum disease or tooth decay.
These figures are shocking, especially as decent dental care can largely prevent these problems. Parrock Dental and Implant Centre can offer patients, including children, a preventative dental care regime that will help keep their teeth and gums healthy, avoiding the eventual need for dental implant in Kent. Preventative dental care isn’t difficult, and it isn’t time consuming, and it will definitely help you save money in the future. In addition, isn’t it nice to know you have a healthy smile you can be proud of? So how can you make sure your risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay is kept to a minimum?
It is straightforward, and simply involves visiting Dr Rik Trivedi or another Kent dentist at regular intervals for check-ups. You’ll also need to have your teeth professionally cleaned, as this removes any hardened plaque or tartar from your teeth, decreasing the risk of infection and inflammation. Good dental care at home probably takes less than ten minutes a day to complete, as you need to spend two minutes morning and night brushing your teeth, and a few more minutes in the evening making sure you floss them. If you are unsure of how to floss then please ask us for help, as there is a bit of a knack!
You can help make sure you are not part of the grim statistics above through booking your check-up with our dental surgery right now. Call us on 01474 537191, or if it is out of office hours you can fill in our enquiry form online at www.parrockdental.co.uk and request a call back at a time that suits you.