Anxiety Treatment News
One in five delay dental treatment over cost
ONE of the region’s top dentists has been heavily involved in a major study of the nation’s teeth.
Professor Jimmy Steele, head of the Dental School at Newcastle University, said the 2009 Adult Dental Health Survey had shown a “remarkable continued improvement” in the dental health of Britons.
But the survey also showed that one in five people in Britain are delaying vital dental treatment because of the cost.
The survey showed that just over a quarter (26 per cent) said that the type of dental treatment they opted to have had been influenced by the cost and almost one fifth (19 per cent) said they had delayed treatment for the same reason.
Other barriers to dental treatment included “extreme dental anxiety”, experienced by about 12 per cent of adults with teeth.
The survey showed that 92 per cent of adults who tried to make an NHS dental appointment were able to do so.
Professor Steele said: “Whilst more people than ever before are regularly visiting their dentist and British teeth are better than they ever have been, for some people visiting the dentist is still difficult for reasons of cost and particularly anxiety, more than one in 10 British adults are still classed as extremely anxious about attending the dentist and this can still be a major barrier to ensuring good teeth.”
He said there is an ideal opportunity for people to find out about dental health when Newcastle University hosts an open morning this Saturday March 26.
Free advice from some of the top experts in the country will be available, as will demonstrations of techniques and treatments.
The open day will take place at the Dental School on Framlington Place, Newcastle NE2.
The survey was commissioned by the NHS Information Centre and carried out by the Office for National Statistics.
Health Matters: Anxiety
Q I can’t put my finger on why but I’ve started to feel increasingly anxious about things in general, and in situations within which I shouldn’t really be under stress.
Sometimes just the thought of going out or doing something just a little out of the ordinary can spark it but I have also woken up feeling anxious, without any apparent reason for doing so. What could be causing this and how can I best deal with it?
A Anxiety is something that can affect us all at certain times – particularly if faced with a dangerous or seemingly threatening situation.
It affects different people in different ways and some are more prone than others to suffering.
Experiencing a certain level of anxiety is not a bad thing as it helps keep the brain alert and aware of signs of danger – that said, there is no reason for anybody to feel anxious all the time and it becomes a problem when it starts to impact on everyday life.
Symptoms of anxiety will include a constant feeling of worry, sweating, irritability, dizziness, lack of concentration, diarrhoea and sometimes muscle pain. Worrying about what the symptoms mean can often cause a sufferer to become even more anxious so it can be a vicious circle.
Various things are thought to contribute to the onset of anxiety.
Genes are thought to play a part and research has also suggested that it’s a chemical imbalance in the brain itself that will determine whether or not a person suffers symptoms of anxiety.
Other factors will include lifestyle – personal circumstances such as stressful times associated with moving house or the breakdown of a relationship – and also in very specific cases, addictions such as those to drugs or alcohol.
In most cases it is likely to be a combination of factors that leads to people suffering with anxiety and there are a number of simple lifestyle factors that may be worth looking at as a first step to dealing with this condition.
Firstly, don’t be afraid to speak to friends or colleagues if you are feeling anxious about a particular situation or task – it’s often subconsciously worrying about something that leads to anxious feelings, usually in the middle of the night when there’s nothing you can do.
Take time to relax and don’t feel guilty about it. Some people find meditation and exercise help. Yoga and Pilates can help both body and mind unwind but likewise, a good aerobic session can be a great stress buster.
A good diet is key to an overall healthy lifestyle and be mindful of the excessive consumption of things such as caffeine – not always a positive stimulant – and also alcohol.
Make an appointment with your GP as there are treatments available that will help you. These include psychological therapy such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
CBT is one of the most effective types of treatment for severe anxiety and will involve working with a therapist to identify behavioural patterns and change those that are unhelpful. There are various medications available for the treatment of anxiety and if your symptoms necessitate this course of action, your GP will be able to advise.
You don’t have to be embarrassed about being anxious – it’s something that affects us all in different ways and at different times. The important thing is to try and address the symptoms and in doing so you will hopefully limit future episodes.