Survey finds 1/4 of Brits
have attempted DIY dental care rather than seeing a dentist
EVER since the film Marathon Man (if
you're not familiar with it, search for it on YouTube), people have had a proper
fear of the dentist. After all, what's relaxing or soothing about having someone
poke around in your mouth with a large, vibrating drill? It's no wonder many of
us keep putting off appointments. But, obviously, our teeth are something we
need to eat with, smile with, and generally look acceptable to other people
with, so it pays to look after them.
However, it seems that some people just can't get past their general dislike of
going to see the man (or woman) with the little mirror on a stick (don't even
get us started on 'probes'; dental equipment was not named to make any of
us feel calm about the process). Sapphire Braces (sapphirebraces.com), who
create customised high tech adult braces, decided to get to the bottom of how
many people hate the dentist, and why. They surveyed 2,000 people and made some
rather interesting discoveries.
Perhaps shockingly, 25% of us have attempted a home remedy rather than paying
the dentist a visit with a problem. We can't even imagine what methods were
attempted; tying one end of a piece of string around a decaying tooth, the
other to a doorknob, then slamming it shut? Whatever makes you feel better we
suppose... at least there's no one running a miniature vacuum cleaner around
your mouth while trying to engage you in small talk about your latest holiday.
The region most likely to dodge the dentist's slippery, leather chair is the
North West of England (19.2% of the country); it seems Mancunians and
Liverpudlians would literally rather pull their own teeth than let anyone else
do it. A close 2nd is London (15.4%); for a City that seems to place such
importance on looking good, you'd think people who lived there would rather let
professionals deal with any tooth decay issues, or fix a filling, rather than
try to sort it out themselves. The Northern Irish have the least worries about
someone else manipulating their molars; they only make up 3.1% of the total.
Even if people do make a proper dental appointment, a few of us still chicken
out at the last minute; 29% of us have skipped one or cancelled because we hate
going so much! The main reason, however, that people swerve the dentist, is the
expense: 41% of us think it's just too pricey, particularly if you end up
needing a procedure such as root canal surgery, or wisdom teeth removal. In
second place is people's hatred of that buzzing, whirring sound the drill makes
when it's rattling around your teeth 24%); hardly likely to relax you when
you're already dreading the examination. 13% of us have a profound fear of
needles; and when that needle is heading for your soft gums, it's no wonder.
12% of us don't appreciate being lectured ('So, when was the last time you
came here? Your teeth are looking pretty yellow, you know... and there's the
beginnings of some decay in your upper right Occlusal...'). Finally,
some people hate feeling trapped (6%), which you pretty much are when you're
lying back with your feet above your head, and then the smell of the surgery
(4%) - that sickly sweet scent of mouthwash, mixed with something else we can't
identify, and don't want to. But we're still, when it comes right down to it,
pretty vain; a 3rd of us would rather spend more on the cosmetic appearance of
our teeth (whitening, straightening, veneers etc.) than our health!
What do you dislike most about visiting the dentist:-
► Fear of Needles = 13%
► Sound of the drill = 24%
► Feeling Trapped = 6%
► Smell of the surgery = 4%
►
The expense = 41%
► Feeling lectured = 12%
The survey also found that 24% of us would avoid braces specifically because
they think they look bad. But thankfully, these days, braces have moved on a lot
from the days of having to suffer those metal train tracks stuck to your teeth
for months on end. "Dental technology has changed dramatically over recent
years and these days,
people barely even know if someone's wearing braces. Strong, but clear, material
is used to straighten the teeth." confirms Dr. Swati from Sapphire Braces.
To find out more ways to look after your teeth, and stop dodging the dental
chair, read our 5 tips, below:-
1. Get to know your dentist. A familiar face and a calming voice will
work wonders when you sit down in the dental chair. Find a dentist you like and
trust, and stick to them.
2. Don't be embarrassed to tell them! Let your dentist know about your
fears, they will take this into account and make sure you are as comfortable
with any procedures they are performing. You can even discuss a signal you can
make if you are feeling worried at any point during the appointment.
3. Keep it regular! You have been told before but it's true! If you keep
up with your regular check up appointments, you will minimise the chance of
having to have more extensive procedures such as fillings.
4. Minimise the expense. Of course the cost of dental treatment is what
scares some people the most. Even through the NHS, dental procedures can be
costly. If you are on a low income, you may qualify for the Low Income Scheme
which will reduce the cost of any treatment you need. Alternatively, dental
plans are available for most budgets, whether you see NHS or private dentists.
5. New, innovative solutions. If the look of a mouth full of metal is
putting you off getting your smile fixed then look into the many, new options
now available in the world of braces. Revolutionary designs and technology mean
some braces are virtually invisible and can achieve results within just 6
months. |
![](http://www.southportreporter.com/2011-news-footer-images/spacer.png) |
Pop star Rowetta appears at
Revitalise Sandpipers
POP icon and TV star Rowetta Satchell
entertained the guests at Revitalise Sandpipers; which provides respite
holidays for disabled people and carers, on Friday, 9 December 2016, as part of the
centre's "Ultimate 90's Week."
During her 45 minute set in front of an ecstatic audience, Rowetta performed
iconic pop songs including:- 'You've got the love' and 'Fix you.'
She also made time to record a special message for the charity's facebook page,
sign autographs, chat to the guests and pose for selfies.
Later Rowetta tweeted:- "Loved singing for everyone at Revitalise.
Incredible place for disabled people and carers. Beautiful night."
Rowetta is best known for her association with the Happy Mondays in the 90's, for
whom she sang backing vocals, and is a successful singer in her own right. She
made an unforgettable appearance on the debut series of the X-Factor in 2004,
finishing fourth overall.
Revitalise provides respite holidays for disabled people and carers at
Sandpipers and 2 other UK Centres. Accessible excursions, activities and
entertainments are an integral part of every Revitalise holiday.
Primary schools expansion to meet demand for
places
PROPOSALS to create hundreds of new
pupil places at Liverpool primary schools are set to be approved.
It follows a consultation earlier this year about expanding schools in Norris
Green, Greenbank and Mossley Hill.
Liverpool currently has enough primary school places across the City, but not in
the areas of greatest demand. This is due to a rising birth rate and ongoing
regeneration which means more people are moving into some areas of the City.
On Friday, 16 December 2016, the Cabinet is being asked to approve:-
► An additional form of entry at Monksdown Primary in Norris Green, enabling it
to take 90 pupils per year (3 classes) from September 2017, increasing capacity
by 210 pupils over the next 7 years. The school had already expanded from 60 to
90 places in September 2016 as a 1 off to ease the pressure on places.
► Expanding Sudley Infant School in Mossley Hill from 3 to 4 forms of entry from
September 2017 delivering 90 new places by 2020, and Sudley Junior School from
September 2020, creating 120 new places by 2023.
►
Monksdown Primary School had 109 applications for 90 places in September 2016,
and there are no places available at neighbouring schools in Croxteth, West
Derby and Clubmoor.
►
Sudley Infant School is consistently oversubscribed, with 318 applications for
90 places in September 2016, and currently has 92 children on the waiting list.
Assistant Mayor and Cabinet member for education, Councillor Nick Small, said:-
"It's great that we're seeing more people moving in to the City, but it is
vital parents have a good chance of getting their child into a nearby school of
their choice.
What we are doing here is taking action now to tackle the areas where we know
there is the greatest demand, to alleviate some of the pressure.
The schools that we have identified meet the Government's very strict criteria
for this funding including being ranked as good or outstanding by Ofsted and on
a solid financial footing.
We are committed to working with parents, staff and the local community to
address any concerns over the proposals. During the consultation, some people
suggested that we should build new schools to deal with demand, but the
Government took those powers away from us some years ago and only allows
sponsored free schools or academies."
A working group will be established to look at how best to mitigate additional
traffic for Sudley Infant and Junior Schools such as new entrances, additional
parking spaces, promoting walking and encouraging parents to park safely.
A proposal to expand St Anthony of Padua Catholic Primary School from 30 to 45
places is still subject to consultation by the school's governing body.
There have already been expansions in other parts of the City, with additional
classes created at Dovedale Community Primary, Christ the King Catholic Primary,
St Anne's Catholic Primary, Smithdown Community Primary, St Silas Church of
England Primary and St Cleopas Church of England Primary.
Community Speedwatch Volunteers needed!
THE Port Sunlight Village Trust have
noticed an increasing issue with speeding in the village. To effectively reduce
the problem Trust would like to set up a Community Speedwatch Initiative in
partnership with the Neighbourhood Policing Team.
Speedwatch is a locally driven initiative, where members of the community join
together with the support of the Police to monitor speeds of vehicles using
radar guns. Vehicles exceeding the speed limit are referred to the Police, with
the aim of educating drivers to reduce their speeds. We are told that all
volunteers will receive appropriate training, and will be supported by the
Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) staff in their work.
"We cannot rectify this issue without determining where and when the worst
cases are occurring in the village, so we do desperately need your help in
carrying out this scheme. Anyone who is interested in taking part in the new
year, whether you can dedicate an hour or 20 of your time, please contact the
Conservation Adviser, Lizzie Heywood, on:- 0151 644 4813 or send them an
email.
Together we will tackle this issue!" said Carol Darlington, from the
Trust. |