How Chewing Gum Can Save Us Money

1Chewing sugar-free gum could save the NHS £8.2 million a year.

A study published this week in the British Dental Journal has revealed that up to £8.2 million of costs to the NHS could be saved if twelve year olds across the UK were to increase their chewing of sugar-free gum as part of a good oral health routine to help prevent tooth decay.

While brushing for two minutes, twice a day is still the best way to keep our teeth and gums healthy, clinical research has shown that chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after eating or drinking helps neutralise plaque acid and can reverse the early signs of tooth decay.

This research, conducted by the York Health Economics Consortium and Peninsula Dental School, Plymouth University, with support from The Wrigley Company Ltd, is the first of its kind in the UK.

I would like to add the following points:

This research had the support of the Wrigley company – a well known manufacturer of chewing gum – so, one could be forgiven for thinking that the results are biased. However, the benefits of chewing gum, particularly after meals and drinks, are proven.

Also, this survey was limited to 12 year olds. However, the benefits apply to us all.

We don’t generally recommend that children under the age of 7 chew gum although this is very much at the discretion of all parents.

Whilst I do agree with the report, it focusses only on the cost savings whilst omitting the distress that children with toothache suffer.

Something that I am all too aware of during my travels to Morocco.

Jas Sandhu

2The diagram above shows how tooth enamel is at risk from acid after food and drink, and how long it takes the acid level in the mouth to return to the safe zone. The pH is the measure of acidity. Below 5.5 is acidic enough to soften tooth enamel. Chewing sugar-free gum after eating can quickly lower the Ph and, therefore, the amount of acid that attacks the teeth.

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Congratulations to Sophie who, at the age of only 19, distinguished herself in her Radiology exam this month.

“I have been very impressed with the level of care and treatment and the practice. Thank you so much. Also, to learn of your missionary-type trips to morrcco’s needy children. May God bless you and the team. Your travels. Your health and all that you do. You are giving more than just dental treatment.”

Thanks you so much

Nigel M

Thank you Nigel

Stairlift update

Planning for our long-awaited stairlift has finally been approved. However, only verbally. So, all
we are waiting on now is the approval in writing. Of all the stairlifts we’ve looked at – and that’s a
lot – we were most impressed by those supplied by Age UK. However, should any of you have any comments or recommendations, please do contact me.

Again, thank you for your patience.

Jas Sandhu

“The Road To Morocco”

4Is it ironic that we, as a dental practice, are selling ‘sugar’ to help prevent its harmful effects? Probably, yes. But, all of the funds we raise will go towards helping the children in Morocco.

And, so far, the sale of our home-made cakes has raised a massive £316.66. As Jas is a trustee of The Dental Mavericks, he has set a fundraising target of £3000.

Our total funds raised so far are nearly £2000!

So, watch out for more cakes and other silly events in the next few weeks.

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Thank you all so much.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks Steph.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

7Our core values are those values that help to guide us. Our compass, if you like.

At our last meeting, we agreed that not all of us felt aligned with our old values. So, now, we

have updated them and agreed on the following:

  • Integrity8
  • Play
  • Ubuntu
  • Kaizen

Please feel free to ask us about them. What they stand for? Why we chose them? And how they

can help you? For now, I think that the photo on the next page explains why we all agreed on

‘Play’.

You’ll find us in the front row.

Hope to see you there.

Thanks for reading.