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Oral health is vital to ensuring a happy and healthy lifestyle but what happens when getting to a dentist is just too hard? Many people simply stop going and then the issues begin.
Dr Mark Wotherspoon wanted to ensure everyone can access a dentist no matter their circumstances so he started Dentist to your Door.
"We're going to the person's bedside in aged care or anybody who is housebound," he said.
"Going to the patient reduces stress and the inconvenience for a family member who has to get them to the appointment.
"It's as much about supporting the family as supporting the person."
Regular dental attention is very important for our loved ones in aged care facilities or who are housebound
- Dr Mark Wotherspoon
The mouth is the beginning of the digestive system meaning quality of life can be greatly impacted by its health.
An unhealthy mouth can impact on everything from enjoying a meal to speech and communication to confidence and dignity.
"An unhealthy mouth makes it difficult and uncomfortable to chew your food properly. A healthy mouth allows you to enjoy mealtime and taste the food you are eating," Dr Wotherspoon said.
"Strong healthy teeth and gums are very important for speech and a nice smile is important for confidence and dignity.
"Unhealthy gums can cause bad breath and also contribute to a number of very serious medical conditions, especially diseases of the respiratory system."
People in assisted living should have check ups every six months. The at-home service makes check ups and maintenance easy.
Dentist to your Door looks after all diagnostic, preventive and basic restorative services including simple dentures.
If complex issues are found Best Street Dental can accommodate any needs or a comprehensive report can be prepared for the patient's dentist of choice.
Dentist to your Door is aligned with Best Street Dental. It was started by Dr Mark Wotherspoon with the help of many people including Dr Rosie Morgan and Dr Helen Powis, senior dental officer at Wagga Base hospital dental clinic Dr Kathleen Mathews and senior oral health therapist Jenny Lang.
"The principals at Best Street supported this initiative from the word go," Dr Wotherspoon said.
"They've all contributed to the knowledge and understanding."
Currently Dentist to your Door services all of Wagga and some surrounding towns including Junee, Narrandera, The Rock, Lockhart, Urana and Tumut.
For more information call 6921 5799 or go to beststreetdental.com.au.
