Patients bite the bullet with DIY dentistry treatment kits

THE sale of DIY dentistry first aid kits nearly doubled last year, it has been disclosed, as experts warn people against taking matters into their own hands during the pandemic.

Dentists believe that the rise in DIY treatment is either because of backlogs caused by surgery closures or patients’ fears of catching the virus.

Boots the chemist said that sales of athome dental kits for lost fillings, caps and crowns were up by 87 per cent in the last three months of 2020, compared with the previous year.

The products that proved popular included a “long-lasting” temporary repair for caps and fillings, and a first aid kit.

Dentists’ surgeries are now open but are operating well below capacity because of restrictions on patient numbers.

The British Dental Association said that 20million fewer dental treatments were carried out last year than in 2019 and that a backlog of cases may have driven people to DIY kits.

Eddie Crouch, chairman of the BDA, said: “Patients should never have to take matters into their own hands.”

Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation, said: “DIY home dentistry is a terrible idea and should be avoided at all costs. Home treatments in untrained hands often comprise of shortcuts that come with added dangers and can lead to permanent damage to your health.”

He said anyone who is experiencing a problem, or who has not been to the dentist in a while, should book an appointment.

He added: “Most dental practices are now back to relative normality. You should be able to get an appointment.”

The pandemic and lockdowns have also led to more sales in general oral hygiene products. Rex Brown, a toothbrush seller on eBay, said it has seen sales up by 100 per cent year on year.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: “We want everyone to be able to access affordable, highquality dental care and the Government has taken unprecedented action to support the dental sector throughout this pandemic.

“Since last summer, all practices have been able to open to deliver the full range of face-to-face care. Priority access is expected to be given to urgent care and vulnerable groups, and over 600 urgent dental centres are providing extra support to the dental sector.

“We urge people to only undergo dental treatments from qualified and reputable professionals.”