2 News Do you have an opinion or something to say on any Dental Tribune UK article? Or would you like to write your own opinion for our guest comment page? If so don’t hesitate to write to: The Editor, Dental Tribune UK Ltd, 4th Floor, Treasure House, 19-21 Hatton Garden, London, EC1 8BA Or email: lisa@dentaltribuneuk.com United Kingdom Edition March 15-21, 2010 This week sees the first of the big conference and events for the year: the Dentistry Show. Dental Tribune will be at the event, finding out what’s hot and what’s not for 2010 for all the gadget lovers out there. Please take a look at back of this issue to find out who is going to be there. If you see me, come and say hello and let me know what you think of DT; I would genuinely love to hear from you. DT The daily grind - ing M ore people are grinding their teeth due to job insecurities caused by the recession, according to dentists. Edinburgh dentist, Dr Yann Maidment, said he had seen the number of patients showing symptoms of tooth grinding rise by 10 to 20 per cent over the last 18 months. He believes that people who work in banks or travel a lot for their jobs are among the worst affected due to having more stress in their lives. Dentists are finding that more patients are needing treatment because a piece has fallen off their tooth due to bruxism, or a molar or incisor has cracked completely and is beyond repair. Others are suffering from headaches or pain in their mouth. Dr Sharif Khan, a cosmetic and implant dentist, claims that ambitious people who work in competitive industries are more likely to suffer from bruxism. “People who are worst affected by grinding are Type A personalities: ambitious people and perfectionists, who usually work in business,” said Dr Khan. The British Dental Health Foundation revealed that its helpline has also seen a rise in calls about the problem. DT ‘ ‘ Water water everywhere... Fluoridation... a topic which is always destined to polarise public opinion. The ongoing saga which has developed over the decision to fluoridate the water in the Southampton area shows no signs of slowing as an open letter of opposition is released. The surprising thing is that more than a dozen dentists have signed the letter. As Neel Kothari said in the last issue (I hope you were all paying attention, there will be a test!), his main concern was not about the issue of fluoride in the water, but rather the way in which despite the overwhelming opposition of the local population to the plans, the SHA decided in favour of fluoridation. It may be interesting to find out the reasons these dental professionals chose to sign the letter. If you have a particular opinion on the issue of fluoridation, please get in touch: Lisa@dentaltribuneuk.com. Editorial comment