A rise in drug treatments has led to more emergency dentistry treatments.
An increasing reliance on pharmaceuticals to treat a range of conditions – such as hypertension, high cholesterol and depression – has led to an increase in emergency dentistry procedures in the UK.
According to Lakeside Dental, this new reliance on drug treatments has had a serious side-effect of more people needing emergency dentistry work due to cavities.
The surgery claimed that this is known as xerostomia and is brought about through the treatments killing protective bacteria in the mouth, thereby leading to an increased risk of cavities forming in previously healthy teeth.
Elsewhere, the Vancouver Sun recently reported that US dentist Dr Ron Smith has claimed plaque build-up is an ongoing problem for many and that even a small amount of plaque can be a problem in terms of long-term oral health.
He noted that gingivitis is a common problem and a build-up of plaque can be a starting point for periodontal disease.