The dentist more than a history of mouth ...

A survey presented in conjunction with the annual conference of the French Dental Association (ADF) shows that over 70% of the French confined dentist care of mouth and teeth, a narrow vision which intends to fight against the association.
* According to the survey, unveiled to the press in Paris, only 38% of respondents believe that dental health is a good indicator of overall health and a good dental hygiene helps prevent serious diseases.

The misunderstanding of the role of the dentist (...) is a source of fear and unfounded beliefs about the dentist and his care, regrets the association. Thus, more than half of French (55%) do not go with their dentist as they have not toothache, one far removed from the behavior recommendations, which call for a check once a year .

The survey also revealed other barriers to more frequent visits to the dentist, as the fear of suffering during treatment (31%) and fear of criticism from the practitioner (15%, a proportion that rises to 24 % of those under age 35). And 15% of respondents believe that it is not a priority for their health.

"We do not always assume that the dentist can go beyond the mouth or the mouth can be an indicator of general health," points out Dr. Patrick Hescot, Secretary General of the ADF.

"However, diseases such as diabetes, cancers, including those of the mouth, malnutrition, eating disorders, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, chronic inflammatory diseases ... are regularly screened at the surgeon dentist ", said the ADF. The patient suffering from diabetes, for example, a seven-fold increased risk of losing their teeth, cites Dr. Hescot.

And "aesthetic dental care also prove valuable for personal development of patient support. Improving the image of the patient himself, they favor a private, social and fulfilling professional life," said the ADF.

The association therefore stresses the "urgency to inform the French about the role of the dentist to restore an objective view of the profession and change behavior in favor of health."

* Survey conducted by Internet research company Vision Critical, from 7 to 12 October 2010, on a sample of 1,000 French 15 years and recruited according to the quota method.