NZ Dentists plead for fluoridation and pain relief service as infections increase

More people are suffering potentially life-threatening brain, lung and heart infections as a result of severe and untreated tooth decay, dentists say.

Christchurch Hospital special needs dentist Juliet Gray said she had received 33 referrals for patients hospitalised with lung, brain and heart infections caused by bacteria from decayed teeth in the last year. The year before she received 18 such referrals.

Gray provides dental care for adult patients with complex health needs, including severe mental illness and disability.

However, she was increasingly treating people on low incomes with “remote site infections” caused by dental disease and bacteria spreading to other parts of the body.............................