Melton has issue with tooth loss

People in Melton lose many more teeth than the average number for residents across the East Midlands and the UK, according to new research.
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Patients at the mydentist practice, on Asfordby Road, were found to have had 21.25 extractions for every 100 patients over the last year.

They compare to an average of 11.47 extractions for the region and 11.14 for the UK.

Steve Williams, clinical services director for mydentist, which has half a million patients in the region, said: “We’ve seen a surge in the number of patients coming to us who haven’t seen a dentist for five years or more.

“And we see the impact on their teeth.

“You’re much less likely to lose your teeth if you visit the dentist regularly.

“Research proves common problems such as tooth decay could be prevented in 60 per cent of people if they made regular visits to their dental practice and maintained good oral hygiene.

“Because of this it’s vital that people have access to a dentist that can offer them appointments when they need it and first class care that prevents problems that, if untreated, could lead to tooth loss.”

In April, mydentist, the largest provider of NHS dentistry in the UK, launched an online booking service to help families and individuals make appointments with NHS dentists following criticism of access to dentists by Healthwatch England.

Its report into access to primary care found that many people are struggling to book an appointment with an NHS dentist, with as few as one in five surgeries in some areas taking on new patients.

The Melton dentist’s has given five tips to borough residents to improve their oral hygiene:

1 Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste.

2 Avoid sugary drinks and fruit juice, they attack and weaken the enamel on your teeth.

3 Reduce the frequency of sugary snacks and drinks and if consuming, restrict to meal times.

4 Have chewing gum after you’ve eaten to neutralise harmful acids in your mouth.

5 Visit your dentist regularly to have your mouth and teeth checked before problems arise.

New NHS patients are being accepted at mydentist’s Melton Mowbray practice.

Visit www.mydentist.co.uk to book an appointment.