Free one-to-one oral health advice

Free one-to-one oral health advice, with signposting to NHS dental practitioners who have capacity for those not currently registered, is being ofeered to residents to mark National Smile Month (20 May – 20 June 2013).

Drop-in sessions are being held at:

• Nye Bevan House on Monday 20 May, 10am-3pm.
• Croft Shifa on Thursday 23 May, 10am-3pm.
• Middleton Arena on Monday 10 June, 10am-1pm.

The borough’s Brushing for Life and Tooth Time schemes are currently being rolled out, and will see toothbrush and toothpaste packs being delivered to all Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 children in sixty-nine primary schools across Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale over the next five years.

During National Smile Month, the Borough's Public Health team and the Oral Health Promotion Unit are also working with the following five schools as part of National Smile Month’s Smile Time programme:

• St Peters C of E Primary School
• Belfield Community School
• Bowlee Park Community School
• Stansfield Hall Primary School
• St Gabriel’s Primary School, Castleton

As part of this programme, oral health packs will be given to all nursery, Year 1 and Year 2 children and daily supervised brushing in schools, with direct support and home visits to those children and families in the greatest need. 

Colin Lambert, Leader of Rochdale Borough Council and cabinet member for health, said: “As a father of young children, I firmly believe picking up the routines of good oral health practice at a young age is vital. These routines then become a positive habit for the rest of your life and will ensure that the children of the borough grow up with healthy teeth and gums.”

Top Teeth Tips
The British Dental Health Foundation advises adults to:

• Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day using fluoride toothpaste.
• Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks.
• Visit the dentist regularly, as often as they recommend.

To find your nearest dentist,visit:

http://www.hmr.nhs.uk

The Dental Access Centre in Rochdale provides emergency dental treatment. Appointments can be made by telephoning 01706 764766.