To think I should be able to see a dentist

[crinklyfoil]

Starting to get a bit frustrated. Never had problems with my teeth and had them cleaned by the dentist twice a year. Last had them done January 2020. Obviously stopped due to covid. My dentist was only taking emergency patients even when restrictions were lifted.

I’ve got a horrible taste in my mouth. It’s only temporarily relieved by toothpaste or mouthwash. It’s at the very back of my throat - really horrible. I suspect my teeth are long overdue for a really good professional clean.

But I can’t because we’ve now moved and none of the dentists are seeing NHS patients.

AIBU to think dental care is fucked up!?

In all due respect op you started the thread not because you have pain but because you want your teeth cleaned 'professionally.' Therefore it sounded like advice might be needed because it seemed like you must be struggling to clean them yourself to a good standard. Again a hygienist sounds more appropriate and a funny taste in your mouth sounds like a medical issue if you clean your teeth regularly as you say.

I do appreciate the advice but I wasn’t really seeking that if you see what I mean. I’ll have to pay when I’m back at work. I’m just frustrated that I have to when I really should have been able to see an NHS dentist.

popcorn I have no idea if it’s a medical issue or not because you can’t see a GP either! But I don’t think it is, to be honest. I really think it’s just a matter of needing a good old clean obviously when it is done if I’m still experiencing it I’ll explore other options.

We've had to register with a private dentist with waiting list. They estimate it will October before we can be seen. Can't even get private care because everyone needs it!

It does make me wonder how many things will take years to recover because of the pandemic.

My children see my private dentist on the NHS, I haven't found private that much of a price change really as you always had to pay extra for white fillings anyway.

Plus you can get plans where you pay monthly and that covers dentist and hygienist.

@crinklyfoil

It does make me wonder how many things will take years to recover because of the pandemic.

Oh - and to add - I also had a phone appointment with a GP through the Cash Plan cover I have (no cost - and am sure that there could have been help/an RX if such thing needed..... he did recommend that I see "my own" Dr though - but can have his written notes emailed to me to help my "case". This is a very scary problem that I have that is progressing quite worryingly now; but I know from fb for my area that an appointment will be very very difficult to get. (It equally could be vitamin/nutrient deficiences that could be ascerrtained with blood tests. Again, not easy - although I have done the private route for this as well before now.)

NHS dentist here. If the bad taste is related to your oral hygiene, then very good home care will solve this. Even if really you need a professional clean too. Look on YouTube for videos on the Modified Bass Technique for brushing, and the correct use of floss, interdental and single tufted brushes.

The practice I work at has been seeing patients at maximum safe capacity since we were permitted to re-open in June last year. We do virtually no private treatment. Unfortunately the Safe Operating Procedures required of us have reduced our capacity to see the usual number of patients. We are currently at about 75%, and are booking in September now for non-urgent care. We have reserved spaces in our diary for people with urgent issues. Urgent issues are pain that does not respond to painkillers, swelling, bleeding and some cases of trauma. Unfortunately it does not mean simple broken teeth or wanting a clean. Our capacity would be much improved if patients did not waste my time by arriving late to appointments, using their phone in my surgery and just not rocking up to their appointments. And yes, we call everyone the day before. One day this week I had 3 hours wasted because of a combination of these. That’s 1/3 or my day.

Bear in mind also that we work IN THE RESPIRATORY tract. The fear of contracting Covid was (and still is for some staff) very high, especially last year prior to vaccination. We have seen patients face to face through all this. I’ve seen two patients where I’ve suspected cancer (one actually was) who have been fobbed off and not seen in person by their GP for over a year. I’m actually pretty sick of the bad press, we’re working really really hard and the vast majority of the time fixing problems than are caused by poor choices related to diet, poor oral hygiene and smoking and utterly preventable.

I’m sorry you’ve been upset by this bonzo but if you’re only seeing NHS patients and virtually no private clients then you’re not really who I’m talking about.

I understand that covid must have been a very real fear, but given the vaccination programme is well underway I do think it is reasonable to start prioritising dentistry.