Rise in NHS dental patients

THE number of patients registered with an NHS dentist continues to rise in the Lothians.

Despite a continuing shortage of NHS dentists, 78 per cent of children and 54 per cent of adults are now registered, both slightly up on last year.

However, a survey by Align Technology, which makes teeth correction equipment, found a third of women were embarrassed by their teeth, with 40 per cent wishing they were straighter and a quarter wanting them to be whiter.

Dr Paul Humber, a leading dental practitioner, said: "The results of the survey demonstrate that women understand the importance of a healthy smile but worryingly they are not prepared to spend the time and money looking after their teeth.

"The cost is a lifetime investment so when you compare this to how much women spend on beauty treatments, it is minimal."