Just a brief blog today - I read in Irish Independent this week that there is an increase in the rate of tooth decay in children since the cutbacks to the HSE and dentistry began a few years ago. Previously, there were routine dental examinations in second, fourth and sixth class, and now it's often only in sixth class.
This can mean things are too late for preventive dentistry and the patient with tooth decay is more likely to have restorative treatment instead, or even emergency treatment for relief of pain. And if that's the first time you meet your dentist, it's unlikely to lead to a positive association with dentists from there on.
Treatment is also more extensive, more uncomfortable and more expensive when it gets to that stage. Remember, tooth decay is not the sort of disease that gets better by itself.
