These are the cities with the worst record of going to the dentist – as it emerges 1 in 5 attempt DIY ops
IT'S hardly the most fun you'll have with your clothes on.
But new data shows that hordes of people across the UK are still failing to grin and bear visits to the dentist - with some parts of the country faring worse than others.
A survey of 2,000 people conducted by discovered that nearly 25 per cent of people have attempted a home remedy, rather than paying the dentist a visit, with the North West of England consisting nearly a fifth of all cases across Liverpool and Manchester.
Perhaps surprisingly, London came in a close second, with 15.4 per cent of those self-medicating living in the capital.
Conversely, the Northern Irish have the least worries when it comes to someone else manipulating their molars; they only make up 3.1 per cent of the total.
And, even if people do make a proper dental appointment, 29 per cent of people cancel or miss it.
The main reason for this, however, is the expense: 41 per cent think having dental work is just too pricey, particularly if there's a need for a procedure such as root canal surgery or wisdom teeth removal.
The second most common reason for cancelling is people's hatred of the drill, which constitutes 24 per cent of excuses, while 13 per cent have a profound fear of needles and 12 per cent don't appreciate being lectured on their oral health habits.
Further data showed that some people hate feeling trapped (6 per cent) and the smell of the surgery (4 per cent).
That said, when it comes right down to it, the results also suggest we're a pretty vain nation; with a third of us more willing to spend money on the cosmetic appearance of teeth (whitening, straightening, veneers etc.) than general health.
The survey also found that 24 per cent of us would avoid braces because of their traditional appearance - even though they have evolved into more discreet designs.
"Dental technology has changed dramatically over recent years," confirms Dr Swati from Sapphire Braces.
"These days, people barely even know if someone's wearing braces.
"Strong, but clear, material is used to straighten the teeth."
Details of the study comes just one day after it was claimed a brand new injection has the potential to replace gum surgery.
According to research from Australia, the breakthrough vaccine significantly reduces the need for antibiotics and painful treatment – and may become a reality within the next few years.
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A team of scientists at the University of Melbourne’s Oral Health CRC has been working on a preventative vaccine for late-stage gum disease, or chronic periodontitis, for the past 15 years with industry partner CSL.
Published in the NPJ Vaccines journal on Wednesday, the study of their prototype indicates effectiveness in neutralising the Porphyromonas gingivalis bacteria – one of the main culprits in poor oral health, which destroys both tissue and bone – by triggering the body’s own immune response to it.
This means patients who get the vaccine will suffer less tissue damage than those without – and thus need less intervention from dentists, later on.
The news will be particularly welcome for singletons, who are said to be more at risk of gum and teeth ailments.
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