Brushing up on teeth care tips

LOCALS will have something to smile about for the next month thanks to a new campaign to boost oral health.

As part of National Smile Month, which runs until June 20, Oldham’s oral health team is working in partnership with dental health teams to raise awareness of the need to look after your teeth.

It is hoped the scheme will improve figures that show more than half of Oldham children have some dental decay by the time they are five years old — one of the highest rates in England.

During the campaign the first 50 babies born at the Royal Oldham Hospital will receive a dental pack containing advice leaflets, their first toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

Michelle Clegg, oral health improvement adviser for Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Despite some improvement, many children in Oldham continue to experience poor oral health.

“Not only does poor oral hygiene lead to problems such as gum disease, it can also affect your confidence and well-being.

“If you are self-conscious about your teeth, it can really affect how you engage and interact with people on a daily basis and prevent you from doing things that you want to.”

Thetrust has issued some handy tips:

Brush your teeth twice a day using toothpaste containing fluoride.

Brush teeth last thing at night before going to bed so that they benefit from fluoride protection overnight.

Spit out the toothpaste after brushing and don’t rinse with water or a mouthwash.

Limit sugary food and drinks and keep to mealtimes .

Visit your dentist for regular check-ups.

For more information , visit your dentist or call the team on 0161-621 7181.