‘Beware’ going to a foreign dentist in search of that Hollywood smile
Writing for the Mail on Sunday, cosmetic and implant dentist Tariq Idris describes a patient’s bad experience following dental work carried out abroad. He shares his views on why patients are opting to go abroad for dental treatment, focusing in particular on implant treatments, and compares the costs and discusses the risks of seeking treatment outside the UK.
Meanwhile, the Times reports that foreign patients are “draining the NHS of millions of pounds a month by failing to pay for treatment.” According to the report, new government figures show “bad debts” at £24m, with “most” linked to patients from abroad.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article7144907.ece
Braces back in fashion as more adults seek that Hollywood smile
Today’s Western Mail highlights the ongoing trend for straight, white teeth, which, according to the report, shows no sign of abating. The article makes reference to the celebrities and factors influencing the trend and describes the range of orthodontic treatments available. Results of a survey taken by the British Lingual Society reveal that one in five adults believes they need braces and that with other options now available beyond the traditional “train-track” braces, many are paying “up to £6,000” privately to achieve the ‘Hollywood smile.’ Director of BDA Wales Stuart Geddes notes the “less invasive” techniques adding that some are “virtually unnoticeable.”
Raise alcohol price to save lives, MP argue
The House of Commons Health Committee report on Alcohol, published today, calls for tougher action to tackle alcohol abuse in the UK and suggests that the industry has “[held] more power over [the Government’s] alcohol policies than expert health professionals.” Widespread coverage of the report highlights criticism of the industry’s influence and the proposal to raise the minimum alcohol price from 10p to 40p. The Chair of the Committee, Kevin Barron MP, says it is time for a “fundamental cultural change” under a “bold government” adding that “even small reductions in the number of people using alcohol could save the NHS millions…only this way are we likely to reduce the dangerous numbers of young people drinking their lives away.”
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/jan/08/mps-watershed-alcohol-tv-ads
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8446799.stm
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5gQXrj9CmEGtC6Tmmu5IdvmEduBZg
Teeth-grinding pain like “three rounds with Mike Tyson”
Today’s Daily Mail includes a testimonial from mother-of-two, Lucy McDonald, who earlier this year discovered she was grinding her teeth due to stress. Comparing the subsequent pain in her jaw to losing a fight “with a champion boxer”, Ms McDonald describes the process of getting a diagnosis, the various treatment options she was offered, and the possible causes of the condition. Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation Nigel Carter notes that bruxism exerts huge amounts of force and “is something dentists are treating more frequently.”
How well will you age?
Dr Miriam Stoppard, in her regular column for the Daily Mirror, looks at factors that can influence how well people age. A series of questions, including “do you smoke?” and “do you floss your teeth?” help readers identify whether they are ageing themselves prematurely.
http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/dear-miriam/2009/12/how-well-will-you-age.html
Clean teeth and underwear are top holiday essentials
An article from the Mail online publishes the results of a survey of over-50’s holiday makers who rated their toothbrush and clean underwear as the most essential items to take travelling.
