|
Dental charity hot for new chilli pepper based anaesthetic
THE UK's
leading dental charity has welcomed the work of researchers who have
developed a new chilli based local anaesthetic that appears to
prevent pain without causing numbness. According to the
British Dental Health Foundation the development could have a
massive impact on dental treatment, making procedures quicker,
simpler and more convenient.
Speaking about the research, which was carried out by Harvard
Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr Nigel Carter,
chief executive of the Foundation, commented:- "Of course this
research is still in its early stages but it could form the basis of
a massive step forward in the battle against dental phobia.
According to our own surveys around one in five people who do not
visit the dentist make this decision because they have a fear of
pain. Although dentistry today is already pain free, some people
find the numbness caused by current anaesthetic quite uncomfortable
and because their mouth feels unnatural they might perceive the
treatment as potentially more painful experience than they otherwise
would.
It is important that people visit the dentist regularly, as often as
their dentist recommends and so anything that can make the
experience more convenient and comfortable is welcomed by the
Foundation."
The chilli anaesthetic was created by scientists from a combination
of capsaicin (the natural compound that makes chilli peppers hot)
and a derivative of the local anaesthetic lidocaine. It works
by selectively blocking pain-sensing neurons without interfering
with other types of neurons, meaning that the subject doesn't feel
any pain but still reacts in the same way to other sensations such
as touch or movement. So far it has only been tested on rats.
Dr Carter continued:- "Anaesthetics are most commonly used for
treatments such as fillings and root canal work. Therefore if people
find the numbing process uncomfortable then by far the best way to
avoid it is for them to take care of their oral health so that they
do not require treatment in the first place. A good oral healthcare
routine also includes brushing twice-a-day with fluoride toothpaste
and cutting down the frequency of sugary foods and drinks."
For more information on how to take care of your mouth call the
Dental Helpline on 0845 063 1188 or visit the
website. |
SILVER SURFERS TAKE THE NET BY STORM - MONEY SITES TOP OF THE
OLDIES’ HIT LISTS
GREY POWER is
a force to be reckoned with, as techno-savvy silver surfers now
increasingly sort out their money matters online. Millions of
55-plus Brits are now surfing the net via their keyboards and taking
control of their own financial destiny, according to investment data
firm Moneyspider.com.
Over half of the 5.25 million UK silver surfers are now logging on
and researching their financial and investment options through sites
like Moneyspider.com. And the data research company predicts this
figure will rise sharply over the next few years as more ‘grey
hairs’ are gaining confidence in using the net. Internet
banking, financial product comparison tools and information on
funds, shares and savings are at the top of the surfing list of the
senior citizens who own over 2/3rds of the nation’s personal wealth.
SILVER SURFERS – THE FACTS
* Definition:- An internet-savvy person aged 55 years plus who surfs
the web and spends time online.
* 15 million people
are aged 55 and over in the UK (Office of National Statistics, 2007)
* 35% of people
over-55 are using the net on a weekly basis (Office of National
Statistics, 2007)
* Over half of all
silver surfers (53%) use online banking and financial sites ( EIAA
Silver Surfer report, 2007)
* Silver Surfers Day
is the biggest annual media literacy campaign for older people in
the UK
* Half of over-50s
reckon life without the net is unimaginable
“Turning to the internet instead of telephone or face-to-face
financial advice gives people independent evaluation and comparison
tools that enable to take charge of their finances and make more
money.
With the internet the financial world is your oyster and you don’t
even have to leave your home to find the best deals and the most
valuable sources of financial information,” he adds.
“Many of our members are pensioners who since becoming retired
have the time to keep a much closer eye on their investments’
performance and ratings. In fact, many of our older members check
their funds on a daily basis.” says Moneyspider.com’s Tony Ahearne. |
