Trafford residents asked to take simple steps to improve their oral health

Trafford Council is encouraging residents of all ages to take simple steps to improve and maintain good oral health for National Smile Month.

Tooth decay is almost always preventable but it remains the most common disease in childhood in the UK. It can cause pain and infection which can limit children’s ability to learn, sleep, eat and play.

In Trafford extraction of decayed teeth is the most common reason for children under 10 to be admitted to hospital and 1 in 4 (26%) five-year-olds in Trafford have one or more decayed teeth.

Maintaining good dental health in childhood lays the foundations for good dental health in adulthood and older age. Whatever your age, there are things that you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy:

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day including last thing before you go to bed

 

  • Make sure your toothpaste contains fluoride. Look for toothpastes that contain 1350-1500 ppm of fluoride – you can find this information on the back of the box or tube.  Children don’t need special kids’ toothpaste, the whole family can use the same product

 

  • Make some sugar swaps. Sugar in our diet is the main cause of tooth decay but it’s not always easy to spot. As well as cutting down on sugary snacks like sweets and biscuits, keep an eye out for hidden sugars in foods like cereal, yoghurt and fruit juice.

Councillor Jane Slater, Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Equalities at Trafford Council, said: “National Smile Month is a great opportunity to remind ourselves about the things we can all do to improve our dental health. Good oral health means we can eat, speak and socialise without pain, discomfort or embarrassment. Good oral health is fundamental to general health and wellbeing, significantly impacting on our overall quality of life.”

The Oral Health Foundation has lots of information about how you and your family can take part in National Smile Month and improve your dental health. Visit www.dentalhealth.org/ for more information.

 

Posted on Tuesday 8th June 2021