www.mddus.com DENTISTS SHOULD SELF-AUDIT


ANTIBIOTIC PRESCRIBING DENTISTS are being encouraged to audit their prescribing practices in a bid to reduce the use of antibiotics. They are also being encouraged to raise awareness of issues around antimicrobial


resistance amongst patients by placing leaflets and posters in waiting rooms. The call came in a statement from dean of the Faculty of General Dental Practice


(FGDP (UK)) Ian Mills. He acknowledged the pressure dentists often face to prescribe antibiotics, particularly in dental emergencies. Patients, he said, often expect “instant solutions and quick fixes” and are keen to avoid surgical intervention “if at all possible”. New figures from Public Health England (PHE) show antibiotic-resistant


bloodstream infections increased by just over a third between 2013 and 2017. And in just over 30 years, antibiotic resistance is predicted to kill more people worldwide than cancer and diabetes combined. PHE has committed to a campaign to raise awareness amongst the general


public of the need to ‘Keep Antibiotics Working’. Dentists issue around five to seven per cent of all antibiotic prescriptions in the


NHS. Ian Mills said: “A simple first step to reducing prescription rates may be to audit


current practice including details of patients presenting with specific clinical conditions and the action in relation to prescription.”


Useful links • FGDP (UK) Practice self-audit tool - www.fgdp.org.uk/antimicrobial- prescribing


• CPD from British Association of Oral Surgeons - www.baos.org.uk/elearning


DIRECT LINK BETWEEN FRAILTY AND ORAL


HEALTH FRAIL older people have a much greater risk of oral health problems, according to new research. Those with muscular weakness, sudden weight loss or


impaired mobility are more likely to experience problems, such as difficulties in biting and chewing food, and sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks. The investigation published in the Journal of


Gerondontology also found a connection between frailty and speech difficulties, as well as a greater likelihood of taking oral pain medication. The study examined a large number of hospitalised


elderly patients over a six-month period. It found that frail adults are more likely to feel self-conscious about their teeth, gums or dentures. They are also unhappy with how their teeth look, yet access dental care less often. Figures show that in the UK more than five million people aged over 65 experience significant health problems. Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the Oral Health


Foundation, said the oral health of older people remains an ongoing issue.


MOST UNDER-ONES DON’T


ATTEND DENTIST ONLY three per cent of under-ones in England attended the dentist and in some regions it was than less one per cent, research from Birmingham University has found over the 12 months to June 2017. The British Dental Association (BDA) said the figures are indicative of a failure


from successive governments to offer a joined-up approach to the oral health of children in England. The BDA supports the idea of getting children to a dentist early, to encourage good habits and embed a preventative approach. It has called for a concerted approach covering primary schools and nurseries, GPs, health visitors and other care providers. BDA chair Mick Armstrong said: “We need real engagement in schools and nurseries, and Scotland and Wales are already leading the way. Kids in England deserve better than a second-class service.”


He said: “In the UK, people are living longer than ever


before. This will increase the amount of poor health, frailty and disability. In turn, it will create a series of challenges for how we care for the population’s oral health.” He said problems often begin with a loss of dexterity and


that limited mobility, no matter how small, can have a considerable negative impact on people’s ability to carry out even basic oral health tasks, such as toothbrushing. Maintaining balanced nutrition has also been shown to


be more difficult, he said, which often leads to more frequent sugar consumption. Those with health problems are also more likely to be on medication which can make conditions such as dry mouth more common. Dr Carter called on the government to be more proactive


in improving the provision of oral healthcare for older people, including offering dental services in hospitals, residential homes and in patients’ own homes.


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