According to the World Health Organization, “oral diseases disproportionately affect the most vulnerable and disadvantaged populations. People of low socioeconomic status carry a higher burden of oral diseases and this association remains across the life course, from early childhood to older age”.[i] In the UK, the economic impact of dental caries is disproportionately higher in deprived groups, with an estimated per-person cost of approximately £18,000.[ii] Research suggests that this cost could be dramatically reduced with the implementation of targeted preventative measures. This highlights the vital role of dental professionals in preventing dental pathologies, particularly when it comes to public education and reinforcing the basics.
As such, it’s important to understand the current recommendations in terms of public health approaches, and at home prevention techniques in order to best support the patients most in need.
Preventative approaches – public and personal health
In recent years, there has been a shift in focus to prevention rather than treatment wherever possible. Over time, the aim of this is to improve public oral health, reduce associated costs of dental treatment for patients, and slow the restorative cycle.
There are a number of personal preventative measures that may be implemented to target areas of specific concern, and enable patients to take steps at home to prevent decay. Not all techniques are appropriate for every patient, and clinicians should make decisions and recommendations based on the patient’s unique scenario.
A great starting point for most patients is the use of a high-quality fluoride toothpaste, to protect the enamel and remineralise the dentition. It is important to understand that, whilst it is a simple measure, this may feel inaccessible to some patients due to financial restrictions.[iii] As such, it is important to provide education about the benefits of prevention both for their health and their wallet. For patients who are at a higher risk of caries development, fluoride varnish may be applied to offer extra protection, and fissure sealant may be used to protect problem areas.[iv]
Community-wide prevention may also have a significant impact on oral health, with water fluoridation, oral hygiene education in schools, and the soft drinks levy (sugar tax) aiming to prevent caries development and protect oral health.[v]
If applied across the UK population, prevention approaches such as these could lead to the reduction of caries rates by 30% – with the biggest impacts felt in the most deprived groups.[vi]
Beginning with children
Beginning with childrenIn order to address oral health problems in deprived groups, it is essential that we ensure children are given the best possible start as this will help them maintain better oral health throughout their lives. By delivering preventative care at an early age, clinicians can help to lower early childhood caries and the risk as they grow up.[vii] Research supports this, with a study assessing the influence of fluoride toothpaste suggesting children using fluoride toothpaste observe a 24% reduction in caries compared to those using a fluoride-free toothpaste.[viii]
Fluoride toothpaste for children
Regardless of the method of use, the appropriate levels of fluoride are proven to positively impact oral health, with prevention essential for people of all ages, beginning in childhood. Offering parents advice about caring for their children’s teeth is vital, as this can help them maintain excellent oral health into adulthood. It could also help patients make informed choices, enabling them to access life-changing oral hygiene solutions.
BioMin® F for Kids offers advanced 12-hour protection, with its slow-release, low level fluoride formula delivering long-lasting benefits to strengthen the enamel. Additionally, it features smart pH technology to release the necessary minerals and reduce acidity after eating and drinking. Using our strawberry-flavoured toothpaste can make toothbrushing more enjoyable for children, helping to establish a positive routine.
When kids like the taste of their toothpaste, they’re more likely to brush regularly and develop healthy habits that can lead to a lifetime of good oral hygiene. It’s also a fun way to encourage independence in their daily routine while ensuring they maintain strong, healthy teeth.
For more information about BioMin®, and their innovative range of toothpastes, please visit www.biomin.co.uk, or email marketing@biomin.co.uk.
Calling all dentists! Do you want samples or a practice visit? Speak to our UK dealers, Trycare on 01274 88 55 44 or email: dental@trycare.co.uk, or CTS on 01737 765400 or email: sales@cts-dental.com
[i] World Health Organization. Oral Health. Accessed Jan 25. https://www.who.int/health-topics/oral-health#tab=tab_1
[ii] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241220133023.htm
[iii] Dunleavy, G., Verma, N., Raghupathy, R. et al. Inequalities in oral health: estimating the longitudinal economic burden of dental caries by deprivation status in six countries. BMC Public Health 24, 3239 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-20652-0
[iv] Dunleavy, G., Verma, N., Raghupathy, R. et al. Inequalities in oral health: estimating the longitudinal economic burden of dental caries by deprivation status in six countries. BMC Public Health 24, 3239 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-20652-0
[v] Dunleavy, G., Verma, N., Raghupathy, R. et al. Inequalities in oral health: estimating the longitudinal economic burden of dental caries by deprivation status in six countries. BMC Public Health 24, 3239 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-20652-0
[vi] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241220133023.htm
[vii] Dunleavy, G., Verma, N., Raghupathy, R. et al. Inequalities in oral health: estimating the longitudinal economic burden of dental caries by deprivation status in six countries. BMC Public Health 24, 3239 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-20652-0
[viii] Dunleavy, G., Verma, N., Raghupathy, R. et al. Inequalities in oral health: estimating the longitudinal economic burden of dental caries by deprivation status in six countries. BMC Public Health 24, 3239 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-20652-0
