New teeth mean Ivy, 105, can once again have sugar on toast for breakfast

Dentures allow sweet treat

- By Hanna Geissler Health Editor

SMILING Ivy Ritter, 105, can enjoy her favourite breakfast of sugar on toast again thanks to an NHS scheme that sends dentists into care homes.

Ivy had only been able to eat soft foods like mashed potato and porridge due to ill-fitting dentures.

But after a visit from Dr Stephen Denny, a new pair of gnashers was delivered to her at Silverpoint Care Home on Canvey Island in Essex, three days before her birthday.

Dr Denny, of Dental Beauty in Benfleet, said Ivy's favourite food was "maybe not the dentist's choice for breakfast - but I think at 105 she can have what she wants!"

He added: "After we finished her treatment she was so pleased to be able to eat her favourite foods again a simple joy most of us take for granted."

Dr Denny's work is part of a pilot programme launched by NHS Mid and South Essex in 2023 to improve the oral health of care home residents unable to travel to a clinic.