To think this is an underhand way for the NHS to make cuts

[stayathomegardener]

Ok DD 11 due for a brace,went to the hospital Orthodontist yesterday for first appointment.

DD had a disclosing tablet to show up plaque levels on her teeth and scored 31%.

They are expecting the level at her next appointment in four weeks to be under 25% and four weeks after that she has to score under 15% or will not be allowed to start treatment at this time.

Obviously I totally understand the reasons for this, permanent tooth damage and staining etc I've seen the photos...

Now just to qualify and to avoid any stealthyness.

-I am obsessed with tooth cleaning both my own and DD,s,I have no fillings and DD was born with poorly formed teeth that are crumbling and subject to decay so disclosing fluid spot checks are not unknown in this household...

-To think under 15% will be unachievable for many people.The week before DD's next appointment will be a very time consuming supervised plaque removal fest not so easy if you have more than one child or a full time job

-Children at DD's school currently with braces have not had to 'pass' the plaque test so I assume it is a new thing.

I'd pay for a hygienist appointment the day before just to get it over with...

YANBU. Think you should do some googles to counteract argument.

I have much sympathy and although I don't know all the details I think there is research relating to the fact that some people's teeth are more predisposed to plaque than others.

Notable that DS has no fillings. DD has two or three and had to have four molars removed when she was about three. Got big telling off at the hospital about dental hygiene. Reality was I was very ill at 18 weeks pg and had to have strong intravenous antibiotics and that affected the teeth at a formative stage.

definitely go to the hygenist, but you may need a couple of treatments.

This is very unfair though - the reason that most people need braces is that they're teeth are such that they can't clean some of the surfaces! IIRC it's the medical need basis for having a brace (rather than being cosmetic)

See how it goes, but if it does come to them refusing your DD then contact your PCT and your MP.

31% is very good on the first visit apparently. I'm sure DD won't be a problem,she does have very clean teeth and 15% is achievable with work although a pre booked hygienist is a great sneaky plan.

Strangely we did get a phone call from the dentist on our return asking me not to allow DD to use the disclosing fluid for a week before our return visit so they can get "an accurate picture"-Oh yes no problem. that's so not happening.