In a recent article reported In Preventative Dentistry, Britons are more interested in the colour of their teeth than real health issues such as cavities and receding gums.  

A study by Mintel found that more than four in 10 Britons are concerned about the colour of their teeth, while only a quarter are interested in actual health.  

Sunita Verma, Principal from Sparkle Dental Boutique says `It’s a worry to read that people are more concerned about the colour of their teeth than real health issues such as cavities and gum disease and that as many people are associating a tan with good health, as they are associating white teeth with good oral hygiene, which is not the case.”

“When patients come to visit me, I carry out a thorough examination and make sure patients are aware of any dental health concerns. You only have one set of teeth as adults and its is so important to look after them.”    

In the UK diabetes diagnosis has increased from 1.4 million in 1996, to 2.5 million in 2008. By 2025 there are predicted to be more than four million people with diabetes in the UK. It is also estimated that there are around half a million people currently living with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes in the UK.  

Research suggests that the management of periodontal disease can affect the gums and other supporting tissue around the teeth.  It can also help to reduce the risk of a person developing diabetes and can also help those with diabetes control their blood sugar levels.  

Sunita Verma, Principal at Sparkle Dental Boutique says “Establishing a routine periodontal programme is one way to help keep diabetes under control.  We take extra care with patients who have diabetes. Periodontal disease triggers the body’s inflammatory responses, which can affect insulin sensitivity and ultimately lead to unhealthy blood sugar levels. We therefore look for symptoms of periodontal disease such as swollen or red gums, or bleeding during tooth brushing and take the time to educate patients about the risk factors of diabetes.”

TV Presenter Kelly Osbourne has revealed her dental phobia on her Twitter page. 

The daughter of Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne tweeted “I have to go get my fillings today and the fear is really kicking in. I need to get over this fear of the dentist but I can’t”.   

Kelly is not alone in her phobia, as other celebrities such as Robert De Niro are known to be frightened of the dental chair.

A recent survey conducted by the British Dental Health Foundation discovered that one of four people do not visit a dentist due to dental phobia.  

Sunita Verma from Sparkle Dental Boutique says “Many people are still frightened of seeing a dentist and this is such a great shame as dental practices have changed enormously. The great news is that at Sparkle Dental Boutique there are many dental distractions within the practice which make your dental visit easy, comfortable and relaxed. Our aim is to make your dental check up a routine part of your daily life.”  

Source: Dental Tribune 7 June  

More than 5% of the UK’s working population have already turned to cosmetic surgery in a bid to boost their career prospects.  

And according to a new survey 1 in 10 people would resort to surgery to get ahead in the workplace.  These statistics are part of new research seeking to discover the true extent of the use of cosmetic surgery and procedures by professional people looking to enhance their career,  carried out by MyFaceMyBody, the chat show dedicated to cosmetic surgery.  

The survey found that  

• Nearly two thirds of women believe appearance and youthful looks play a part in getting hired, gaining promotion or getting new clients.

• More than one in ten said that they would consider having a cosmetic procedure to make them more competitive in the job market.

• Nearly three quarters of consumers would consider having a non surgical treatment such as teeth whitening.

When consumers were asked what they would prefer to improve the most about themselves to boost their career prospects, nearly a third would improve their facial features and one quarter said that they would improve their teeth.

Source: Dentistry Magazine June 2010