It’s almost that time of year again…
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 5th November 2022
Dental professionals are once again preparing themselves for the festive period. Regardless of whether you choose to celebrate the season or not, the colder months are traditionally considered as a time for indulgence, relaxation and contentment – but they do come with drawbacks. It’s always worth reinforcing to your patients the ways they can protect their oral cavity, while still enjoying everything the festive season has to offer.
Accidents
Over the festive period, it is thought that an estimated 80,000 people end up in hospital due to injuries sustained from falls, cuts and burns.[i] According to a survey from the National Accident Helpline, a third of people have fallen on ice and almost 2.6 million have slipped off of a stool or ladder while hanging up decorations.[ii]
As you well know, traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) can occur through accidents such as falls, and can affect both the hard and soft tissues within and around the oral cavity. Researchers note that the incidences of TDIs are mostly circumstantial and unexpected, often requiring emergency attention.[iii] Studies have also postulated that fractures to the enamel and dentine may provide a pathway for bacteria, potentially triggering pulpitis.iii In severe cases of TDIs, where the teeth have been subjected to luxation and fracture, there has been a higher prevalence of pulp necrosis, due to damage to the neurovascular supply.iii
At any time of the year, but especially during the holiday season, the last thing anyone would want is to sustain an injury due to an accident. Patients need to be especially aware of hazards, or hazardous situations during this time. This might include ensuring that ladders and stools are stable before use, and keeping all floor space as clear as possible (which may be a challenge with that wrapping paper). This is important for the oral cavity, but also to keep the rest of the body safe from harm.
Overindulgence
After a long and busy year, the number one priority on most people’s list will be to just relax – and indulge. It goes without saying that the festive season offers patients the chance to consume foods that can be detrimental to their oral health. Children especially are at risk during this time, and so it’s important to offer patients advice on how they can protect their children’s oral health. While it might be near impossible to completely eliminate their sugar intake, patients can make swaps to healthier alternatives, such as opting for sugar-free options or limiting the consumption of these treats during mealtimes. This way, children won’t be eating treats throughout the day, but rather in one concentrated sitting, limiting the frequency of acid attacks on the enamel.
Alongside the usual suspects – chocolates, sweets, dried fruits, crisps and cakes – the volume of alcohol consumed by adults increases astoundingly. According to a Drinkaware survey, two thirds of UK drinkers over-indulge with alcohol over the festive period, more so than they usually do. When it comes to having a drink with Christmas dinner, red wine seems to be the main preference, followed by white wine and soft drinks.[iv]Research has suggested that the polyphenols and antioxidants in red wine could be beneficial to oral health,[v]although all wines have varying levels of acidity which, if overconsumed, can lead to tooth erosion.[vi] There are plenty of occasions during this time to consume alcohol, from work parties to social events and gatherings with friends and family at home. You cannot control how much patients consume, but you can offer relevant advice and guidance to equip them with what they need to make more positive decisions.
Keeping on top of routines
Throughout the festive period, it goes without saying that everyday routines can be disrupted. Children are off school and many patients are tackling their workloads before they take their time off. Sleeping habits tend to shift, from staying up late drinking and falling asleep on the sofa, to waking up early on Christmas Day, it’s easy to see how oral hygiene routines can become disordered. For patients who already suffer from oral issues such as caries, abrasion and erosion, the festive period might be especially provocative, exacerbating existing complications. During this time, patients need to be extra vigilant when caring for their oral health.
After seven years of research, Curasept has developed their Biosmalto Impact Action Mousse, available through J&S Davis. This solution remineralises and strengthens the enamel and dentine, with an innovative formula containing substituted hydroxyapatite. The Biosmalto Impact Action Mousse also increases resistance to acid erosion, mechanical abrasion and acid attacks. For a remarkable solution to strengthen and protect your patient’s oral health, recommend the Biosmalto Impact Action Mousse today.
Promote good health this festive season
Patients and professionals alike will be taking the opportunity at this time of the year to unwind and prioritise time with loved ones. But it’s vital to continue encouraging patients to look after their oral health, with a thorough oral hygiene routine and through utilising adjuncts that are designed to protect the teeth. In addition to everything that a patient can enjoy this season, let good oral health be part of that too.
For more information on the industry-leading products available from J&S Davis, visit www.js-davis.co.uk, call 01438 747 344 or email jsdsales@js-davis.co.uk
[i] www.rospa.com. (n.d.). How to avoid an accident this Christmas – RoSPA. [online] Available at: https://www.rospa.com/lets-talk-about/2019/december-2019/elf-and-safety-how-to-avoid-an-accident-this-chris [Accessed 17 Aug. 2022].
[ii] National-accident-helpline.co.uk. (2022). 12 hazards of Christmas. [online] Available at: https://www.national-accident-helpline.co.uk/news/12-hazards-of-christmas [Accessed 17 Aug. 2022].
[iii] Lam, R. (2016). Epidemiology and outcomes of traumatic dental injuries: a review of the literature. Australian Dental Journal, [online] 61, pp.4–20. Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/adj.12395 [Accessed 17 Aug. 2022].
[iv] Statista. (n.d.). UK: preferred alcoholic drinks for Christmas dinner 2021. [online] Available at: https://www.statista.com/statistics/951112/christmas-dinner-alcohol-uk/ [Accessed 17 Aug. 2022].
[v] Esteban-Fernández, A., Zorraquín-Peña, I., Ferrer, M.D., Mira, A., Bartolomé, B., González de Llano, D. and Moreno-Arribas, M.V. (2018). Inhibition of Oral Pathogens Adhesion to Human Gingival Fibroblasts by Wine Polyphenols Alone and in Combination with an Oral Probiotic. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, [online] 66(9), pp.2071–2082. Available at: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.jafc.7b05466 [Accessed 17 Aug. 2022].
[vi] Nijakowski, K., Zdrojewski, J., Nowak, M., Podgórski, F. and Surdacka, A. (2022). Regular Physical Activity and Dental Erosion: A Systematic Review. Applied Sciences, [online] 12(3), p.1099. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/12/3/1099/htm [Accessed 17 Aug. 2022].
