We use our mouths to smile, talk, eat, and drink.
In poor conditions, they can also cause ongoing pain, embarrassment, negatively impact daily life and the ability to work.
Poor oral health can also impact diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and low birth weight babies.
Pegasus Health has training available for its GPs and pharmacists so they can better advise patients on dental services available to them. They have also partnered with the Brush Your Teeth Everyday (BYTE) charity which distributes free toothbrushes, toothpaste and information on a healthy smile to at-risk individuals.
Here are some simple things you can do every day to improve oral health:
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and spit, do not rinse
- Diet drinks contain decay-causing acid, drink water or milk instead
- Have a sugar ‘hit’ in one session rather than regular snacking
- Have regular dental check-ups, they are free until 18-years-old
- Stop smoking as it increases the risk of mouth and gum disease
- Take dentures out at night to avoid germ build-up