Counting the pennies: Dentist links rising costs to poor oral health

A Southampton dentist has voiced concerns about the effect of growing financial pressures on shopping habits and what this might mean for meal choices.

Speaking to The Daily Echo, Ian Kendal, principal dentist at Oceana Boulevard in Southampton said, “There is a rise, and I think you can say that it is linked with the cost-of-living crisis and inflation going up has worsened the situation.

“Some parents can’t afford a balanced diet for their children. They tend to buy too much sugar which overstimulates the body and the mind.

“Dentistry is in a very poor situation to provide help for the gaps in society.

“It’s a double-edged sword really. Poorer people can’t afford the dentist, and dentists aren’t able to help as much as they would like.

“Those that can afford a better diet can also afford a better quality of dentist – people are really counting their pennies at the moment.”

Helen Field, a Toothless Southampton campaigner, shared Ian’s views. She commented, “I think it’s horrifying.

“I think the majority of parents do their best, but you’ve got the cost-of-living crisis going on.

“I think parents would love to be able to feed their children healthy and nutritious meals with lots of fruit and vegetables, but they struggle to afford it, especially if it’s easier to buy unhealthier options cheaper for less money.”

Ian added, “People need to understand what is good and what is not good. Parents where they can, should really limit sweets for their children, especially outside of mealtimes.

“I used to work in a dental caravan visiting schools, and it would be nice if dentists could do a similar thing today but unfortunately, I think it might be unsustainable as it comes down to funding.

“Dentists need to be paid and receive a reasonable fee to do it. But I think it would be of benefit as it would teach kids about cleaning their teeth while they get their teeth seen to at the same time.”

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