DIY Dentistry

Click on the title to read a news story about how millions of people are resorting to DIY efforts to fix their teeth. I am sure many people have tried temporary fixes until they can reach a dentist (I have often seen patients who have stuck a crown back in with glue or chewing gum), but it is horrifying to think that some people are doing this instead of seeing a dentist.

I guess it is partly due to the lack of NHS dentists around and the fact that many dentists have waiting lists even for emergencies. I also know there are still many people who are scared of visiting the dentist, which is a shame because most of the dentists I know are caring professionals who take their time to make their patients comfortable.

Certainly we do still have patients who are nervous or worried, but often it is fear of the unknown and I will always explain honestly what will happen during treatment. I can recall a number of patients, both adults and children, who have been nervous at the start of their orthodontic treatment but relaxed and comfortable by the time the braces are removed.

So if you are putting off that visit to the dentist or orthodontist please don't, book an appointment and you may well be surprised to find it is not as bad as you think.