The implications of a cost-of-living crisis for oral health and dental care

Cope A L, Chestnutt I G. Br Dent J 2023; 234: 501-504.

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In October 2020, the UK Government chose not to supply food vouchers to disadvantaged children over the school holidays, which limited many families' ability to opt for healthy food options and have a balanced diet, leading to increased risk of caries. Now, with the cost-of-living crisis, many in the UK are again facing food as well as hygiene poverty. As the authors of this Opinion piece point out, financial pressures may limit the ability to afford basic oral hygiene products, and lead to a diet lacking in appropriate nutrition.

The points raised in this article serve to remind us how the present cost-of-living crisis has the potential to widen pre-existing oral health inequalities, as the most common dental diseases are closely correlated with social and economic deprivation. The authors emphasise that targeted support is required for those most at risk of experiencing food insecurity, hygiene poverty and financial barriers to dental care. Read their thoughts here: www.nature.com/articles/s41415-023-5685-0.

How can general dental practitioners help in the management of sleep apnoea?

Parmenter D, Millar B J. Br Dent J 2023; 234: 505-509.

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Approximately 1.5 million adults in the UK suffer from obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), but only 15% of cases have been officially diagnosed. In addition, only an estimated 330,000 adults currently receive treatment for OSA, despite a variety of simple and effective treatments being available. This Clinical article aims to provide an overview of the symptoms, risk factors and treatment of the condition, in order to increase GDPs' confidence in referring patients to appropriate healthcare professionals.

Treatment of OSA aims to improve a patient's quality of life by reducing tiredness during the day. First-line treatments aim to reduce systemic health complications through behavioural changes, such as weight loss, quitting smoking, and alcohol cessation. For mild to moderate cases, oral appliances are the management option of choice. For more severe cases, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is indicated. Read more about the management of OSA here: www.nature.com/articles/s41415-023-5684-1.