People admitted they would rather go to a packed Ikea than the dentists
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Around 3 million people have performed DIY dentistry, with a further 3 million knowing someone else that has
Research by Which? has shown up to 6 million people are so terrified of the dentists that they do it themselves instead. According to the survey people would rather check their bank balance, go to the gym, or visit a packed Ikea on a Saturday afternoon rather than visit the dentist.
Of those trying DIY dentistry, 26 per cent have tried to pull out a tooth with pliers, and 12 per cent have tried tying a piece of string to a door handle. Three in ten have tried to whiten their teeth with household cleaning products.
Other procedures people admitted to included using household glue to stick down a filling or crown (11 per cent), popping an ulcer with a pin (19 per cent), trying to mend or alter dentures (8 per cent), or trying to stick down a loose filling with chewing gum (6 per cent).
Which? health campaigner, Jenny Driscoll comments, “This research shows the desperate measures people will resort to. Everyone should have access to good quality dental treatment so it’s worrying to see so many people resorting to doing it themselves.
It’s not just the thought of going to the dentist that can bring us out in a cold sweat. For many, actually getting good treatment can be a real ordeal. Which? wants to get to the root of the problem by hearing people’s stories about going to the dentist.”
Visit www.which.co.uk/dentistry to share your dental treatment stories.
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