Several Adults Have Tried To Remove Their Own Teeth With Pliers, Says Somerset Dental Health Advisor, England

Main Category: Dentistry
Article Date: 15 Feb 2009 - 1:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions

The county's Dental Health Advisor is warning people in Somerset that do-it-yourself dental treatment is both unnecessary and dangerous.

The comments come after an online survey was conducted by 'Which', the National Consumer Association, into access to NHS dental treatment in England *. The survey found that of the 2,631 adults who replied, a quarter said they had attempted to remove a tooth with pliers and one in ten by tying a piece of string to the tooth and a door handle to remove it.

Another 11 per cent had used household glue to stick down a crown or filling and six per cent have used chewing gum as an adhesive. Some individuals had even used household cleaning products in an attempt to whiten their teeth. The survey has yet to find if the motive for people taking such drastic measures was problems finding an NHS dentist, the cost of treatment or the fear professional treatment would be painful.

Commenting upon the reported findings of the Which? survey, Martin Fulford, a former dentist and Dental Advisor to NHS Somerset (aka Somerset Primary Care Trust), said: "Do-it-yourself dentistry is an unnecessary and potentiality dangerous thing to do. It's unnecessary because Somerset is one of the areas which is actually bucking the national trend and is well provided for with NHS dentists. Pulling your own teeth out risks pain and infection and using glues or cleaning products risks poisoning yourself.

"We have as many as 25 NHS dental practices in Somerset currently taking on new NHS patients. Anyone who wants an NHS dentist should be able to get one as easily as telephoning the local NHS Dental Helpline. The Primary Care Trust also funds over 200 emergency dental treatment appointments each week, so anyone not registered with a dentists and needing emergency dental treatment can just telephone and arrange a rapid appointment.

"My advice to anyone living in Somerset, particularly if they have not been to a dentist for a few years, is to be sensible and use the NHS dental service provided. An annual NHS dental check only costs about £16* and it could save you far less pain and cost in the long run than a botched DIY job on your own teeth."

If any member of the public is looking to register with an NHS dentist in Somerset they are advised to telephone the Somerset NHS Dental Helpline. Tel: 0845 769 7691.

The helpine is also available to anyone not registered with a dentist, in pain and in need of emergency dental treatment. Normal NHS dental charges apply unless you are exempt from charges due to low income or status as a student in full time education.

Ref * BBC Online - Millions 'opt for DIY dentistry' - 12-2-09
Millions of people in England have resorted to DIY dentistry, a survey by consumer magazine Which? suggests.
Full story - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7881865.stm

NHS Dental charges are now set at three flat rates. They are:

. Band 1 course of treatment - £16.20
This covers an examination, diagnosis (e.g. x-rays), advice on how to prevent future problems, and a scale and polish if needed.

. Band 2 course of treatment - £44.60
This covers everything listed in Band 1 above, plus any further treatment such as fillings, root canal work or if your dentist needs to take out one or more of your teeth.

. Band 3 course of treatment - £198.00
This covers everything listed in Bands 1 and 2 above, plus crowns, dentures or bridges. Urgent treatment - £16.20

Urgent treatment - If you require urgent care, but your urgent treatment needs more than one appointment to complete, you will only need to pay one charge of £16.20.

Details from the Department of Health's web site.

Department Of health, UK