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Four fifths of UK adults at increased risk of tooth decay

More than 45 million adults across the UK are at higher risk of tooth decay. This is according to new research from the Oral Health Foundation and Colgate-Palmolive. It found that more than four in five (84%) of all UK adults falls within groups that put them at heightened risk of the disease. The findings also … Continued

Multi-million pound price of inaction on kids’ teeth in NI

The British Dental Association (BDA) Northern Ireland (NI) is supporting calls from the NI Assembly for root and branch reform of oral health strategy. New analysis shows extractions of multiple teeth among under-18s could be costing the health service over £9 million a year. Tooth decay is the number one reason for child hospital admissions … Continued

Experts skeptical over red wine study

A new study on ‘beneficial’ chemicals found in red wine for oral health has caused debate among experts. The research, publicised widely in the media, suggests that a glass of wine a day could be good for oral health. The study found that chemicals called polyphenols, which are found in red wine, help to prevent … Continued

Calls for kids’ oral health programme in Ireland

A national oral health programme is being called for to tackle levels of extreme decay amongst children. Dr Brett Duane, associate professor in dental public health at Dublin Dental University Hospital (DDUH), said a similar programme for kids in Scotland has reduced tooth decay levels by almost a third. ‘Within the community, all children receive … Continued

Dublin meeting focuses on child oral health

The Irish Society of Dentistry for Children (ISDC) will host its annual scientific meeting on 12 May on the theme ‘staying alive: pulp in trauma and caries’. Taking place at Finnstown Castle Hotel in Lucan, Dublin, the meeting will focus on recognising and treating dental injuries in children, diagnosis of primary tooth pulp status under … Continued

Ignoring fluoride evidence is ‘big health risk’

Ignoring the evidence that shows the damage non-fluoridated water can do to teeth is a ‘big health risk’, says Dr John Walsh, dean of Faculty of Dentistry, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI). Speaking at the opening of an international scientific meeting hosted by RCSI this week, Current controversies in dental practice, Dr Walsh warned: … Continued

What role can dentists play in curbing alcoholism?

Alcohol is killing one person per hour and sending 1.2 million to hospital each year in the UK and Northern Ireland, figures reveal. Substance abuse charity Alcohelp is calling on the government to implement a series of measures to tackle alcohol misuse, such as restricting the sale of alcohol to specific times of the day. … Continued