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Should diabetes sufferers fight for free dental care?

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As someone with no money I get free dental treatment. Although at times it has been a lack of treatment. For several months I have had an infection in my gum. At least the second one.

wildfirejc said:
Anyway, I found the petition page of the government. For those who believe that diabetic sufferers should be given free dental healthcare, please send me your email in my inbox and I shall send a link for you to sign it.
Click to expand...
Why by e-mail ? What's the problem with sending the link by pm?
 
Sorry Ralph, I didn't know how to do this - as it is my first ever petition.

I have copied and paste it here - in case anyone is interested.

Click this link to sign the petition:
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/223204/sponsors/new?token=AJsBQF4oWjRuNAHlEgO

My petition:

All Diabetes sufferers should be entitled to free dental treatment

I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes in 2016. I hadn't required any dental treatment for over 10 years but suddenly felt that my gums were receding. The dentist later told me that diabetic people are very prone to gum disease. Besides free eye tests and feet checks, dental care should be included.
People with diabetes are at greater risk for dental problems. They're more likely to have infections of their gums and the bones that hold their teeth in place, because diabetes can reduce the blood supply to the gums. High blood sugar may also cause dry mouth and make gum disease worse. Less saliva can allow more tooth-decaying bacteria and plaque buildup.
 
Trouble is your statement is not accurate and neither is your dentists.
 
Diabetic people are no more prone to dental problems than anyone else if they look after their diabetes. I'm astonished people aren't more grateful for the free things they do get rather than trying to get even more out of the system. how do you propose this free dental care is paid for, for the huge number of diabetic people out there?
 
wildfirejc said:
Sorry Ralph, I didn't know how to do this - as it is my first ever petition.

I have copied and paste it here - in case anyone is interested.

Click this link to sign the petition:
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/223204/sponsors/new?token=AJsBQF4oWjRuNAHlEgO

My petition:

All Diabetes sufferers should be entitled to free dental treatment

I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes in 2016. I hadn't required any dental treatment for over 10 years but suddenly felt that my gums were receding. The dentist later told me that diabetic people are very prone to gum disease. Besides free eye tests and feet checks, dental care should be included.
People with diabetes are at greater risk for dental problems. They're more likely to have infections of their gums and the bones that hold their teeth in place, because diabetes can reduce the blood supply to the gums. High blood sugar may also cause dry mouth and make gum disease worse. Less saliva can allow more tooth-decaying bacteria and plaque buildup.
Click to expand...

You need a minimum 10,000 signatures for it to even get off the ground and be listened to I understand. I know your intentions are good but I remain unconvinced about this and can honestly think of groups who have severe dental risks as a result of their condition...Sjogrens Syndrome for example that attacks the salivary glands and isn’t subject to the same control as diabetes.

Money really is too tight for these campaigns at the moment and we need to be more altruistic.

Sorry, I know that’s not what you want to hear but I think this is an absolute non-starter. The cost implications are incalculable!
 
Noticed whilst in the Dentist today they have a sign saying that incorrectly signing you are entitled to free treatment carries a £100 fine.
 
wildfirejc said:
Found someone else talking about dental care and diabetes...those interested may read it here:- https://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/201...oost-type-2-diabetes-management-92959168.html
Click to expand...

In fairness that article is about the importance of maintaining good dental hygiene and cutting out sugar rather than an argument for free dental care.
The element of personal responsibility has to be there too.

I don’t think anyone doubts the need to practice a high level of dental maintenance with diabetes but that applies to masses of conditions including those at risk of heart disease.

Have you attempted to calculate the potential cost of this proposed scheme wildfire?

I’m sorry to sound like the voice of doom on this because as in all things, there is a point but there is a finite amount of funds and I don’t think this idea is top of the need table.
 
Last edited:
wildfirejc said:
Sorry Ralph, I didn't know how to do this - as it is my first ever petition.

I have copied and paste it here - in case anyone is interested.

Click this link to sign the petition:
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/223204/sponsors/new?token=AJsBQF4oWjRuNAHlEgO

My petition:

All Diabetes sufferers should be entitled to free dental treatment

I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes in 2016. I hadn't required any dental treatment for over 10 years but suddenly felt that my gums were receding. The dentist later told me that diabetic people are very prone to gum disease. Besides free eye tests and feet checks, dental care should be included.
People with diabetes are at greater risk for dental problems. They're more likely to have infections of their gums and the bones that hold their teeth in place, because diabetes can reduce the blood supply to the gums. High blood sugar may also cause dry mouth and make gum disease worse. Less saliva can allow more tooth-decaying bacteria and plaque buildup.
Click to expand...

One of the first things my dentist asks is how is your diabetes control. She has highlighted that my gum disease can improve not only with good oral hygiene techniques but also with good diabetes control. I personally am grateful for what nhs provides free. I used to get free prescriptions (before Scotland brought this in) as I was prescribed thyroxine, but was really uncomfortable when I was going abroad and was prescribed and administered vaccines free- to my mind, there should not have been an exemption as I chose to go on holiday, and it was nothing to do with that condition.

good luck with your petition but sorry I will decline to sign
 
I have to save up for dental treatment. I've signed your petition 🙂
 
While I wholeheartedly support and admire our NHS, I feel there is a limit to what we, as individuals, should expect from it in terms of treatment.
I have medical insurance with my dentist which covers everything except cosmetic treaments such as crowns and bridges etc.
I woud not expect the NHS to pay for them just as I do expect to pay for them myself.
The insurance also covers me for emergency dental treatment when I am travelling and I have, in the past, emailed my dentist for guidance and advice.
The monthly cost for this £13.50 and has been at that level for 5 years.
We have to take responsibility for our own health issues wherever possible.
There are very serious and life threatening conditions out there and people who are in critical need of support and medications that I feel far outweigh the need for free dentisty. I believe it was @Amigo who quite rightly stated there is no bottomless pit of money just to be dipped into.
I agree it is possibly a non-starter but good luck with your petition.
I find myself unable to agree with or sign it,
 
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