We all remember as a child being told to brush our teeth after breakfast and before we go to bed and for many of us this is a routine that stays with us throughout adulthood but how important is it?

Good oral hygiene can help prevent bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease, all of which can have a negative effect on many areas of our life including our health. Poor oral health can increase the risk of serious health conditions such as heart attack, stroke and poorly controlled diabetes and can also limit capacity to bite or chew food, to smile or to speak. All of this can have an impact on our social wellbeing, as it is often easier to stay away from situations that involve eating, smiling or talking to people. As we can see it is very important to maintain oral health as part of our overall wellbeing. 

The following statistics show why it is best to start developing good oral hygiene habits early in life, although it should be stressed, it is never too late to start those good habits.

32% of children have had between 1 and 5 fillings before they reach adulthood

36% of adults only visit the dentist when they have toothache

6% of adults never visit the dentist

22% of people don’t brush their teeth if they are in a rush

Keeping our teeth clean is an important step in maintaining oral health. Bacteria can build up on our teeth and breed in the warm moist environment of our mouth. This can be one cause of bad breath and can also lead to gum disease or sores in the mouth. 

Carrying out an assessment on each of your clients can help you to put in place relevant oral hygiene plans that are person centred and maintain oral health for each of your clients.

As a care worker you have a duty of care to those you support to help them to maintain their wellbeing including oral health. Our Wellbeing course covers dental care and other areas of wellbeing such as eye care, skin care etc. Speak to us today if you would like more information.

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