Alder Hey launches Mini Mouth Care Matters campaign to help improve oral health in hospital
Did you know that in the North West 31% of children aged 0-5 have obvious signs of tooth decay? And in Liverpool it’s even higher at 37%. Oral health can affect the general health and wellbeing of the entire body and is really important. It also costs the NHS almost £43 million as tooth decay can lead to infections and tooth loss, with some children needing surgery.
When a child is in hospital, their oral health can be neglected. This can mean more infections such as pneumonia and longer hospital stays. The good news is, it’s an almost entirely preventable condition and there’s lots you can do to keep your teeth healthy at home and in hospital. Alder Hey with the support of Liverpool City Council and Alder Hey Children’s Charity have produced a number of videos to help support staff to improve the oral health of our patients as well as help families and patients improve their oral health whilst in hospital.
We have developed two educational resource videos for all children and young people to help them take care of their teeth. The videos are available at the following links:
Here are some top tips to help you keep your teeth healthy. Remember to:
- Drink plain water or milk.
- Keep sugary drinks and foods to mealtimes only.
- Brush your teeth twice a day: before bed and at least one other time.
- Spit out toothpaste after brushing, rather than rinsing.
- Visit the dentist regularly.
For further help and advice, you can visit the Save Kids from Sugar website: https://savekidsfromsugar.co.uk
Access to Dental Care
Finding a Dentist: www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/dentists
Emergency Dental Care
If you are in pain or in need of support, help or advice, please telephone your dental practice in the usual way. If you don’t have a usual dentist and you have an urgent need, you can find a dentist via NHS 111 or by calling your local dental helpline.
Local Dental Helplines – North West Region
Cheshire and Merseyside: 0161 476 9651
Greater Manchester: 0333 332 3800
Lancashire & South Cumbria: 0300 1234 010