DIY dentistry to the rescue

Crowns can be glued back in place in seconds

A dentist from Herefordshire has devised a do-it-yourself treatment kit for travellers who cannot reach a surgery.

The Dentanurse kit allows them to fill their own teeth or replace a crown in the remotest locations abroad.

Inventor Tony Lees came up with the idea after losing a filling during a skiing holiday.

He was left in agony after he was unable to find dental treatment.

His DIY dental kit costs £10.99 and includes a mirror, dental solutions and plastic tools.

The DIY kit could save travellers the misery of toothache

A sterile needle is also included for travellers who visit dental surgeries in areas with known blood diseases such as Aids and Hepatitis B.

It takes just 10 seconds to replace a crown by mixing the two dental solutions together to form an adhesive.

The crown is then glued back into place.

Mr Lees said: "You can also put fillings in by following the same method.

"All you have to do is wait a little longer, about five or six minutes, then you can put the filling straight into the tooth.

"You close the teeth together for five minutes and you should have a filling that should get you back to your own dentist."

Pharmacy chains

Mr Lees produces the dental kits from a tiny industrial unit in Preston-on-Wye, Hereford, and is convinced he has found a gap in the market.

Major pharmacy chains, including Boots, have agreed to stock the Dentanurse kit.

Since its launch two months ago, Mr Lees estimates he has sold more than 50,000 kits.

Travel agents are reluctant to insure people for major dental work abroad.

A spokesperson from travel insurance specialists Travelcare said: "People are covered for the first £100 with a Travelcare policy but they don't always get access to a dentist.

"As a stop-gap, this kit would be very good."