Tough choices
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 8th August 2022
With inflation reaching uncomfortable highs and what has been dubbed the cost of living crisis hammering household budgets, many patients are going to feel compelled to make cutbacks and changes in order to make their money go a little further. Unfortunately, some of these could have oral and general health ramifications that might ultimately prove far more costly to patients down the line both financially and physically.
During the pandemic many patients missed their routine dental appointments for obvious and unavoidable reasons. However, with things returning to a semblance of normality, it is vital that patients resume regular visits. Many patients may feel that they got on okay without their annual check-ups and that they could “get away” with forgoing them indefinitely, making a small saving, at least until a problem becomes impossible to ignore. Problems thrive in the dark, and most patients will not recognise early signs of chronic destructive conditions like gingivitis, periodontitis and cavities until they start to feel pain – by which time significant and quite likely irreversible damage will have occurred. Some may even tolerate toothache and feel relieved when it eventually disappears, unaware that may mean that the nerve has died.
Forgoing check-ups is false economy because the time and expense to the patient of treating oral diseases increases as they progress. Patients should be reminded of the benefits of preventative care, that the dental team can spot issues before they develop into more costly problems. It is important that patients appreciate that early intervention, minimally invasive treatment such as descaling and root planing are not simply cosmetic procedures, but can arrest and reset gingival inflammation (and subsequent disease) by removing calcified plaque. With good communication the majority of patients will see the value of preventive care.
Financial pressure can also affect patients’ oral health more indirectly, in ways that are more difficult to address. Firstly, we can expect patients feeling financial pressure to experience significant stress. Chronic stress directly impacts the body, among other things increasing inflammation which can increase the risk of periodontal disease. People also tend to cope with stress in ways that are maladaptive, such as making worse dietary choices and neglecting hygiene.[1]
Secondly, as the price of food increases and household budgets are stretched elsewhere, people will naturally shift to cheaper food options where possible. As a general rule cheaper food options tend to be worse for people (nutritionally poor, high in sugar, salt and fat, etc.). Obesity is strongly linked to poverty, with adolescents from those in the lowest family income bracket being over four times as likely to be obese as those at the other end of the wealth spectrum.[2], [3] With poverty worsening, we can expect more patients to make food choices that may cause them long term harm. As a broadscale socioeconomic problem this will be a very difficult situation to turn around, with responsible and insightful macro-scale action by the state needed. In the here and now, patients should, of course, be advised to eat more healthily where possible, and emphasis should be placed on regular oral hygiene to keep bacteria and plaque in check. Patients should also be reminded that early action and investment can not only save money in the long run, but can help them be healthier and happier in the future.
If you are going to invest in anything as a clinician, first invest in yourself. Developing your competencies expands what you can offer and achieve as a professional. Unlike hardware investments that eventually wear out or become obsolete, investing in your education can benefit you throughout your entire career.
If you are looking to move into implant dentistry, you can’t do better than Ucer Education. Ucer Education has been at the forefront of postgraduate education in implantology in the UK for over a quarter century. Led by Specialist Oral Surgeon, Professor Cemal Ucer, Ucer Education’s Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Implant Dentistry (EduQual Level 7) is an outstanding opportunity for clinicians looking to advance their skills and knowledge. You will gain a current understanding in the latest and greatest techniques and technologies including different implant systems and their provision, full digital workflow including CBCT scans, 3D treatment planning and printing, and much more.
Challenging times can create opportunities, taking them when you see them can see you come out ahead as things recover. Tough times encourage short-term thinking and actions, but long-term well-being and prosperity can only be achieved by making responsible thought-out choices and investments in the present.
For more information on the PG Cert in Implant Dentistry from Ucer Education – supported by Geistlich, Megagen, Neoss and General Medical – please visit www.ucer.education or call Prof Ucer on 07767 645331
Email ucer@oral-implants.com
Author:
Professor Cemal Ucer (BDS, MSc, PhD, Oral Surgeon, ITI Fellow)
[1] Kaur S., Nain J. Effects of stress on oral health. Journal of Advanced Medical and Dental Sciences Research. 2019; 7(3): 118-122. http://jamdsr.com/uploadfiles/29STRESSDENTALHEALTHpp118-122.20190511055928.pdf April 8, 2022.
[2] Hayre J. Tackling poverty, treating obesity: a ‘whole system’ approach. Archives of Disease in Childhood. 2020; 106: 1145-1146. http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0473-686X April 8, 2022.
[3] Noonan R. Poverty, weight status, and dietary intake among UK adolescents. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2018; 15(6): 1224. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15061224 April 8, 2022.
