The last edition, Kim Gregson, oral health promotion manager for Blackburn with Darwen, spoke about mouth cancer awareness month. This edition, she looks at keeping kids’mouths and teeth healthy.
Keeping children’s mouths healthy is important to help them eat, talk, smile and feel confident. Although tooth decay in the UK has gone down dramatically since the1970s because of fluoride toothpaste, it still remains a big problem.
It has serious and life-long effects but can be prevented. Children in Blackburn with Darwen have one of the highest rates of tooth decay in the country.
Tooth decay causes pain, discomfort, infection and abscesses and can make it difficult to eat. Sleepless nights and time off school are also problems caused by rotten teeth. That is why it is important for children to go to the dentist from birth.
Making sure kids brush their teeth twice a day is one of the most important things for healthy teeth. This should be started as soon as the first tooth appears. You should use a family fluoride toothpaste(only a smear for children under three and a pea-sized amount for children over three years). Going to the dentist regularly is also important as is cutting down on sweets and fizzy drinks. Kids should also get a regular dose of preventive fluoride (ask your dentist).
This edition’s column speaks about the importance of keepingteeth and gums healthy.
Taking care of your teeth isimportant at any age. But as you get older, your gums may recede and become more sensitive so there are a fewextra things to be aware of.
Your dentist or hygienist will be able to show you the best brushing methods to keep any gum problems under control, andmay suggest a mouthwash to deal with the sensitivity.
If you have problems with your movement or your eyesight, itcan become harder to clean your teeth. Arthritis can make it verydifficult to grip the handle of a toothbrush. Electric tooth brushes can be easier to use as they usually have a wider handle anddon’t require as much movement.
Special adapters to make gripping regular brushes easier are also available. If you have dentures, it’s important to keepthem clean. Clean them after every meal and before going to bed. Soaking alone will not clean dentures and thorough brushing is essential.It's possible to maintain your own teeth for your whole life –keep up regular brushing and flossing, and eating well. Gum disease and tooth decay can beprevented whatever your age.
It’s important that you keep visiting the dentist for regularcheckups.
Remember, you can get access to an NHS dentist for urgent or routine calls in Blackburn with Darwen and East Lancashire by phoning 08455333230.
Kim Gregson, oral health promotion manager for the Blackburn& East Lancashire Dental Service, on spotting the signs of mouth cancer.
November is Mouth Cancer Action Month. As with previous years the campaign will be promoting the slogan ‘If In Doubt, Get Checked Out’ to raise awareness of the disease, the common riskfactors and early warning signs.
Mouth cancer kills more people than cervical cancer and testicular cancer combined. A visit to the dentist for screening for mouth cancer and increased knowledge can help transform survival rates, as mouthcancer is easier to treat if spottedquickly enough.
Poor diet, drinking too much alcohol and smoking all increase your risk of developing mouth cancer. There are several warning signs. These include ulcers or sores which do not heal within three weeks; red and white patches in the mouth; unusual changes, lumps and swellings in the mouth; and an unexplained pain in your mouth or ear. It is important to check your mouth for any of these changes and see your dentist or doctor if they last longer than three weeks. Other signs include a croaky voice or difficulty swallowing, a sore or painful throat and an unexplainedlump in your neck.
For help finding an NHS dentist for urgent and routine care call the local dental helpline on 0845 5333 23
