At Curzon Park Dental, we believe prevention is about more than treating problems when they arise. It is about helping patients understand the everyday habits that support long-term oral health and general wellbeing.
That is why we offer a simple, non-invasive wellness scan that provides an estimate of one nutritional marker associated with longer-term fruit and vegetable intake. It is not a medical test, it does not diagnose disease, and it does not replace advice from your GP or any other healthcare professional. Its purpose is to support informed conversations about healthy lifestyle habits as part of a prevention-focused approach to care.
What does the wellness scan measure?
The wellness scan estimates skin carotenoid levels using safe optical technology. Carotenoids are naturally occurring pigments found in colourful fruit and vegetables such as carrots, peppers, spinach, tomatoes and sweet potatoes.
The scan works by shining a safe light onto the palm of your hand and, in around 15 seconds, providing an estimate of the carotenoids stored in your skin. It is quick, painless and completely non-invasive.
Why are carotenoids relevant?
Carotenoids come from the foods we eat, especially colourful fruit and vegetables. Research suggests that skin carotenoid levels are associated with longer-term fruit and vegetable intake, so the scan can offer an insight into one aspect of your overall dietary pattern.
It cannot tell us whether someone is healthy or unhealthy, and it cannot diagnose any condition. What it can do is provide a useful starting point for a conversation about lifestyle habits and prevention.
What can influence your result?
Your result may be influenced by a number of factors, including:
- the amount and variety of colourful fruit and vegetables in your diet
- your longer-term eating habits
- smoking
- stress and wider lifestyle factors
- your overall dietary pattern over time
Because these factors can change, your result may also change over time. Some patients choose to repeat the scan after making changes to their daily habits.
Why would a dental practice offer this?
Your mouth is part of your whole body, and many of the conversations we have in preventive dentistry go beyond brushing alone. Oral health is influenced by daily habits such as diet, smoking, oral hygiene and attendance for regular care.
As a prevention-focused dental practice, we are interested in helping patients understand the habits that support healthy teeth, gums and long-term wellbeing. The wellness scan is simply another way to support those conversations in a clear, practical and evidence-informed way.
What the wellness scan does not do
It is important to be clear about what this scan is not designed to do.
The wellness scan:
- is a wellness education tool
- is not used by us to diagnose disease or medical conditions
- does not replace blood tests, medical investigations or professional medical advice
- does not tell you whether you are healthy or unhealthy
- should not be used to make decisions about medical treatment
It should be seen as an optional tool that gives an estimate of one marker associated with dietary habits and can help support a wider conversation about prevention and lifestyle.
How we use it at Curzon Park Dental
If you choose to have a wellness scan, we will explain what your result may indicate and, just as importantly, what it does not indicate.
We may use it to support conversations about healthy habits that benefit oral health and general wellbeing. Any guidance we provide is educational in nature and is not medical advice.
Having a wellness scan is entirely optional, and there is no obligation to purchase any products or supplements.
Why some patients find it helpful
Patients often like the wellness scan because it is:
- quick
- painless
- non-invasive
- easy to understand
- a helpful prompt for positive lifestyle conversations
Sometimes, having a simple measurement can encourage small, sustainable changes in daily habits.
The bottom line
Can a 15-second wellness scan diagnose illness or give a complete picture of your nutritional health?
No.
Can it provide an estimate of one marker associated with longer-term fruit and vegetable intake and help start a useful conversation about prevention and healthy habits?
Yes.
At Curzon Park Dental, we see this as part of a broader preventive approach that supports patients in looking after their oral health for the long term.
If you would like to know more about the wellness scan, ask a member of our team at your next dental health review. We will be happy to explain how it works, answer your questions and help you decide whether it is right for you.
Disclaimer
The wellness scan offered at Curzon Park Dental is a non-invasive educational wellness tool. It is not used to diagnose, monitor, treat, cure or prevent any disease or medical condition. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you have any concerns about your health or nutrition, please consult your GP or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional.