Dentist Kevel Shah from Amwell Street Dental Practice in Hertfordshire.

Latest research from the British Dental Association (BDA) and Wrigley Oral Healthcare in Action (OHA) has found that nutrition is now a core factor for dentists when assessing their patients' oral health.

Results from the survey, which was carried out at the 2006 BDA Conference, show that over 40% of dentists are seeing over 21 patients per week for whom nutritional advice would help improve their oral care routine.

Just over 60% of the dentists surveyed felt they did not have enough information to offer advice on this subject to their patients. Nutritionist Penny Hunking said, ‘Nutrition and a healthy balanced diet is extremely important in the care of our mouth, teeth and gums. There is no doubt that poor diet can lead to poor oral health and it is essential for dentists to have this information to hand so they know how best to advise their patients. With today's busy lifestyles people are eating more convenience food and snacks, often with high sugar contents. They need advice on how a good diet can help maintain oral health.’

Wrigley OHA randomly selected a dentist who signed up to the Wrigley OHA prog-ramme at the BDA Conference to benefit from a session with Penny at their practice. Penny ran a session on diet and nutrition, in particular their impact on oral health, with winner Kevel Shah and his team at Amwell Street Dental Practice in Hertfordshire.

The aim of the Wrigley OHA Programme is to help promote better oral healthcare and the company provides patients and professionals with practical resources and materials on oral care in a way that is relevant to today's lifestyle and needs.

To find out more about the programme visit www.betteroralhealth.info or call free on 0800 0 564 563.