Oral Health

 

Oral Health Improvement 

 

There is a focus in the early years on oral health improvement, this aims to reduce hospital admissions and the number of children having tooth extractions for oral and dental need that is largely preventable. You can support oral health by learning good dental and oral health hygiene and by increasing access to fluoride, as well as eating and drinking in a nutritionally recommended way.

 

In Somerset early years and education, we have a number of targeted interventions to support children to learn about and maintain good oral health:

 

• supervised tooth brushing in early years settings 

• supervised toothbrushing in reception classes

• supervised tooth brushing schemes in SEND schools

• toothbrush and toothpastes distribution for every child at their 12-month health check via health visitors as part of First Dental Steps, an evidenced based programme which aligns to the Healthy Child Programme  

For more information on the regional supervised toothbrushing programme available to a number of schools in Somerset please visit Big Brush Club

 

The Big Brush Club are hosting several live oral health improvement webinars for early years providers and parents/guardians. These sessions will provide valuable information on how to support children aged 0-11 years to have the best oral health start. 

 

During each session there will be two dental care professionals presenting and on hand to answer any questions throughout the webinar. Participation does not require any cameras or microphones to be used, however there will be a chat box to ask any questions throughout.

 

Please click on the date below to register:

 

Oral Health Champion Training Webinars

Please visit The Big Brush Club website for a list of dates and to register - Settings - The Big Brush Club

 

Oral Health Webinars for Parents and Carers

Saturday 4th July at 10am - please register using this link - Big Brush Club – Free Oral Health Webinar for Parents and Caregivers of Young Children

 

Any issues registering for the above webinar please contact Alisha -  

 

 

Oral Health                                                                    

 

Oral health refers to the health of our teeth, gums and entire oral-facial system that allows us to smile, speak and chew. Dental and oral health is an essential part of our overall health and well-being. Poor oral hygiene can lead to pain, difficulty sleeping and eating and may lead to dental cavities, gum disease and even the need for tooth extraction. It has also been linked to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

 

Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is a lifelong commitment for everyone. Starting early will help prevent painful teeth and gums and help lifelong habits develop so it is recommended you start to brush your baby's teeth as soon as the first tooth erupts.

 

We can all take these steps to protect our oral health:

 

·       Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, including last thing at night

·       Clean between your teeth everyday

·       Reducing sugary foods and drinks  

·       Register at a dentist and visit regularly

 

For more information on supporting your babies and children’s oral health, you can speak to a health visitor, early years provider or school nurse.

  

 

Visit your dentist regularly

 

If you are not registered with a dental practice and require urgent advice or treatment you should call 111.