Featuring - British Dental Health Foundation

WordofMouth
ISSUE 11 / SEPTEMBER 2013
Featuring
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•
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Good habits from an early age
University survival guide
The perfect pack up
Children’s oral health: facts & tips
British Dental Health Foundation
WordofMouth
CONTENTS
David Westgarth
davidw@dentalhealth.org
DR NIGEL
CARTER
OBE
Chief Executive of the British
Dental Health Foundation
04-05
Mouth cancer awareness
Launching Mouth Cancer Action Month 2013
14-15
The perfect pack-up
Hello and a warm welcome to
September’s issue of Word of
Mouth.
We create an orally healthy school pack-up
It’s been another action-packed
month for us at the British Dental
Health
Foundation,
preparing
for our mouth cancer awareness
campaign, Mouth Cancer Action
Month,
which
takes
place
throughout November. This year,
we’ve been working as hard as
possible to ensure the campaign
and its messages reach as many
people as possible. As incidences
of mouth cancer continue to rise, I
ask you to look out for information
about the risk factors, early warning
signs, self-examination techniques
and early detection in your dental
practice, pharmacy, GP surgery
or hospital, in the lead-up to and
during the campaign.
06-07
16-17
Concern on cancer waiting times Dental Buddy
Waiting times could be costing thousands of lives
Introducing oral health into the classroom
08-09
Children’s teeth
18
Children’s oral health products
Why are our children’s teeth just so important?
10-11
University survival guide
Five great tips for a student’s oral health
12-13
Oral health facts and tips
Information and advice on children’s oral health
Consumer advice on our approved products
19
School time check-ups
Parents vote to take their children out of school
In this edition of Word of Mouth,
we have the Mouth Cancer Action
WordofMouth
Editor
David Westgarth
Art Director
Doychin Sakutov
Writers
Month campaign announcement
and an article with some concerning
cancer waiting times for head and
neck cancer patients.
As we are in September, the main
focus of this issue will be around
children’s oral health. As the little
ones go back to school, we ask why
their oral health is so important,
and why learning good habits
from an early age is vital to their
later development. We have a fact
and tips feature for children. Look
a little closer at our educational
programme Dental Buddy, and
try and come up with the perfect
lunch time pack-up for oral health.
We also have a university survival
guide for the somewhat bigger
kids, and highlight the specialist
children’s oral health products from
our Accreditation Scheme.
I hope you enjoy the September
issue of Word of Mouth!
David Arnold
Karen Coates
Educational Resources
Amanda Oakey
Becky Sollis
The UK’s leading independent oral health
charity is delighted to confirm that Mouth
Cancer Action Month, a campaign dedicated to
raising awareness of the killer disease, will once
again take place throughout November.
Organisers of the campaign, the British Dental Health
Foundation, are also thrilled to announce that the
Mouth Cancer Foundation will be supporting this
year’s campaign by raising awareness of the disease
throughout the month.
Sponsored by Denplan and supported by Dentists’
Provident and the Association of Dental Groups (ADG),
the British Dental Health Foundation will be calling
on dentists, doctors and pharmacists to educate
members of the general public about a disease that
kills more people in the UK than testicular and cervical
cancer combined, under the tagline ‘If in doubt, get
checked out’.
Latest figures show more than 6,5001 new cases a year
are diagnosed in the UK, with one person dying every
five hours from the disease. As a result, action really
must be taken to raise awareness and change these
figures. Chief Executive of the British Dental Health
Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter OBE, highlights the
importance of early detection in the battle against
the disease.
Dr Carter says: “If the profession can inform and urge
patients that regularly attending check-ups increases
the chances of mouth cancer being detected at an
early stage, together we can help to raise awareness
of this killer disease.
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SPEAK
OUT...
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CHARITIES LEADING
THE CALL FOR
MOUTH CANCER
AWARENESS
“Almost nine in ten people survive mouth cancer if it is
caught early, yet the five year survival rate remains as
low as 50 per cent. Encouraging patients to perform
self-diagnosis such as looking for ulcers that do not
heal within three weeks, red or white patches in the
mouth and any unusual lumps or swelling can also
help towards early detection.”
Roger Matthews, Denplan’s Chief Dental Officer said:
“Denplan is extremely proud to be working so closely
with the Foundation once again on Mouth Cancer
Action Month, which we have supported for many years.
Oral health and the prevention of disease is at the
heart of everything we do at Denplan and we will be
encouraging all our member dentists to offer free oral
health screenings as part of their activity - particularly
our Excel accredited dentists, who have access to our
unique risk assessment software, endorsed by the
Foundation. Together with the other organisations
involved, we can help to raise awareness and
ultimately save lives.”
Founder of the Mouth Cancer Foundation, Dr Vinod
Joshi, praised the partnership, saying: “The two
charities share the common objective of raising
awareness about mouth cancer and it makes total
sense for us to join forces to make this November’s
Mouth Cancer Action Month a resounding success.”
Please visit the Mouth Cancer Action Month website
for more information.
EDITOR’S NOTES
...ABOUT MOUTH CANCER
When brushing your teeth, look out for any changes in your
mouth, any red or white patches, unusual lumps or swellings
or ulcers that have not healed within three weeks.
If in doubt, get checked out by your dentist or doctor.
Visit www.mouthcancer.org
1. Source: Cancer Research UK, 2013.
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Statistics released by the Department of Health
reveal costly delays that could jeopardise
the lives of suspected head and neck cancer
patients.
poor diet and the human papillomavirus (HPV),
transmitted via oral sex, are all known risk factors
for mouth cancer, which is forecast to affect 60,000
people in the UK over the next decade.
According to the 2012/13 Cancer Waiting Times
annual report1, 1,252 suspected head and neck cancer
patients had to wait longer than three weeks to be
seen by a specialist - a delay that could potentially
cost lives.
Chief Executive of the British Dental Health
Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter OBE, said: “The challenge
in relation to mouth cancer is to ensure that, due
to the very nature of the disease, patients are seen
quickly. Most people with mouth cancer present late
as stage 4 - the most advanced stage where time is of
the essence in potentially saving a life.
With mouth cancer cases on the increase, campaigners
the British Dental Health Foundation are calling for
suspected head and neck cancer patients to be seen
within the two-week referral target due to the very
nature of the disease. Without early detection, the
five year survival rate for mouth cancer is only 50 per
cent. If it is caught early, survival rates over five years
can dramatically improve to up to 90 per cent.
Between April 2012 and March 2013 over one million
patients were seen by cancer specialists following an
urgent referral. A total of 96.1 per cent of suspected
head and neck cancer were seen within 14 days of
referral, compared to 96.3 per cent in 2010-20112.
More than 50,000 patients were not seen within 14
days of referral.
Cancer waiting times are monitored carefully by
the Foundation, which organises the Mouth Cancer
Action Month campaign, sponsored by Denplan also
supported by Dentists’ Provident and the Association
of Dental Groups (ADG), in November each year to
help raise awareness of the disease and its symptoms.
Tobacco use, drinking alcohol to excess, smoking,
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HEAD AND NECK
CANCER WAITING
TIMES ‘COULD COST
LIVES,’ SAYS CHARITY
“It is pleasing to see such a high percentage of
suspected cancer patients seen within two weeks,
but mouth cancer patients in particular should not
have to wait more than three weeks.
“More people died from mouth cancer in 2010 than
from cervical and testicular cancer combined. Early
detection saves lives, so be aware that ulcers which
do not heal within three weeks, red and white patches
in the mouth and unusual lumps or swellings in the
mouth are early warning signs of mouth cancer.
“Our message to everyone is simple - ‘If in doubt, get
checked out.’”
EDITOR’S NOTES
1. Source: NHS Statistics.
2. Source: Referral Statistics.
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WHY CHILDREN’S TEETH ARE SO IMPORTANT
Whether they’re taking their first steps or are
13 going on 30, looking after children’s teeth
is vitally important from the day they are born.
With proven links between gum disease and
diabetes, heart disease, strokes and low birth
weight babies, education must start early.
That’s why the British Dental Health Foundation
emphasises that by the age of two and a half years,
children should be having regular dental check-ups.
Any budding oral health problems can be spotted
early.
The next step is to ensure cleaning your baby’s teeth
becomes part of their daily hygiene routine. As a
parent you may find it easier to stand or sit behind your
baby, cradling their chin in your hand so you can reach
their top and bottom teeth more easily. When the first
teeth start to come through, try using a children’s
toothbrush with a small smear of toothpaste. Once
all the teeth have come through, use a small-headed
soft toothbrush in small circular movements and try to
concentrate on one section at a time.
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All children up to three years old should use a
toothpaste with a fluoride level of at least 1000ppm
(parts per million). After three years old, they should
use a toothpaste that contains 1350ppm-1500ppm.
Encourage them to spit out the toothpaste and not
to swallow any if possible. If they do not rinse after
spitting the fluoride will remain in the mouth for
longer and give the best protection against decay. It is
important to supervise your child’s brushing until they
are at least seven, and encourage them to brush as
soon as they get up in the morning and the last thing
at night.
great items to pack in a child’s lunchbox. Raisins and
sultanas are not a healthy snack for teeth as they are
high in sugar. As they are also sticky, the sugar stays in
contact with the teeth for longer.
This is particularly important due to the growing
culture of snacking in the UK. In general, the UK has
developed a worryingly unhealthy food environment,
where the frequency of snacking and consumption
of sweets, sugary foods and drinks in unhealthy
quantities has become the norm. This is making it
even harder to improve the dietary habits of children.
The most important message to remember is that it
is not the amount of sugar children eat or drink, but
the frequency of sugary foods and drinks in their diets.
Cheese, breadsticks, nuts and raw vegetables are
The problem isn’t confined to just eating habits. Young
or old, phobias and anxiety can have a profound
effect on the way we live our lives. Be it heights,
exams or insects, they can often cause severe trauma,
have a social impact or even have an effect on your
health. For this reason, a refreshing and invigorating
approach to educating children is vital to create a
better understanding of what they will encounter –
and how to ensure dental anxiety doesn’t set in. If not
addressed during younger years, dental anxiety can
develop into severe dental phobia as one gets older.
The culture of snacking is reflected in some of the facts
and figures relating to children’s oral health. Although
progress has been made, there is still plenty to do. In
2003, less than half of five-year-olds (41 per cent) had
obvious tooth decay by 2008, only three out of ten (31
per cent) five-year-olds in England had decay (at least
one decayed, missing [due to decay] or filled tooth).
Although research hasn’t proved there’s a link between
a parent’s dental phobia and their child’s, it may be
a good idea for a parent or close family friend who
isn’t afraid of the dentist to accompany the child to
the dentist. Children aren’t born with dental anxiety,
therefore it is important to portray the dentist as
someone who will help your child, and not someone
they should be scared of. Schools and pre-schools can
play a role here, and it may be worth discussing this
with your child’s teacher.
Facts and tips to remember...
•
Regular dental check-ups are essential from as
young as possible, take your dentist’s advice on
how often your child should visit.
•
Make sure they brush their teeth for two minutes
twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste.
•
It isn’t how much sugary food and drink children
have that causes problems – it is how often they
have them.
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THE BRITISH DENTAL HEALTH
FOUNDATION PRESENTS...
THE UNIVERSITY
SURVIVAL GUIDE
TO ORAL HEALTH
As families across the country prepare to
wave their child off to the world of university
for the first time, there are so many things to
remember – a kettle, toaster, pots and pans,
even your favourite duvet. There’s a whole
new world ahead of you, but there’s one area
that often gets overlooked by uni newbies –
and that’s oral health.
To help, the British Dental Health Foundation has
put together the essential university survival guide
to ensure your oral health graduates top of the class.
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P R E PA R E A C H E C K L I S T
Once you’ve got you’re A-Level results
and you’ve confirmed your place, the
planning begins. You’ll remember the
essentials, and that should include oral
health products. For many people – around one in
four – dental healthcare products are considered a
luxury. Given the growing number of links between
poor oral health and general health problems,
dental health is anything but a luxury. To help your
money stretch further, ask mum, dad or granny for
toothpaste, an electric toothbrush, replacement
heads, interdental brushes or floss and mouthwash.
These may not sound exciting or glamorous, but
they’re very important. Arrange an appointment
with your dentist before you go to address your
specific needs.
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2
FIND A DENTIST
You’ll take the time to find a
hairdresser, register with a doctor
and navigate your way around your
new home, so take time out to find
a dentist. University lifestyle can mean you’re more
prone to accidents (speaking from experience), and
a healthy smile does wonders for the opposite sex.
Until you’re 19 treatment is free, and after that you
may be eligible for help with costs. Pop down to your
local post office and request a HC1 form – you can
apply for a 12-month exemption form and re-apply
when it’s expired. Visit the NHS Choices website for a
list of practices taking on new NHS patients.
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T H I N K A B O U T YO U R D I E T
OK. So no-one expects you to eat like
a king, but making sure you have a
healthy, balanced diet is important
for two reasons – it could be the key
to getting higher grades, and it certainly will benefit
your teeth. A diet rich in vitamins and minerals
means anti-oxidants. In turn, this means a lower
chance of getting gum disease, which in turn lowers
the risk of tooth loss. Try to limit ready meals and
takeaways, however tempting they may be.
Speaking of temptation, that brings us onto vending
machines. They may be a quick source of food, but
snacking throughout the day in lectures is not
good for your teeth. Instead of feasting from
vending machines, take nuts, pieces of cheese or
raw vegetables. Always carry some sugar-free gum
containing Xylitol with you – it’ll help keep your
mouth healthy in-between meals.
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G I V E YO U R T E E T H A
SPORTING CHANCE
Sport is tough. Sometimes it hurts,
and it’s a great idea to protect all the
vital areas. Don’t forget your teeth. If
you’re playing contact sport, make sure you get fitted
for a gum shield. Although you can’t get them fitted
on the NHS, it’s worth the investment. You could lose
teeth and suffer damage as the result of biting the
tongue or the cheek. Biting the inside of the mouth
can also lead to cuts that may require stitches.
Fractures of the upper and lower jaw, cheekbones,
eye sockets or any combination can have more
serious consequences.
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PROBE THE DENTAL SCHOOLS
If you’re heading to a dental school, or
even if you’re not, student participation
in the Foundation’s two major
campaigns – National Smile Month and
Mouth Cancer Action Month – can generate a great
buzz and even better publicity. We make a large
number of downloads available throughout each
campaign, and our campaign resources are priced to
meet even the strictest of budgets.
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FACTS AND TIPS:
CHILDREN’S ORAL HEALTH
Giving children the right start in life is crucial for their development. This applies to their oral
health too. To help parents, education workers and carers give children the best oral health, it’s
worth taking note of the following facts and tips…
T E N FA C T S A B O U T C H I L D R E N ’ S T E E T H
1. Around a third of children at the ages of 5 and 12 have visible signs of tooth decay.
2. The main cause of toothache in children is tooth decay.
3. It is not the amount of sweets consumed that causes tooth decay – it is how often they
are eaten.
4. Sugar causes the bacteria in plaque to produce acids. It is these acids which attack
children’s tooth enamel and cause tooth decay.
5. Every time children eat or drink anything sugary, their teeth are under attack for up to
one hour.
6. Saliva plays a major role in neutralising acids in the children’s mouth.
7. Giving children 7-10 ‘snack attacks’ during the day means their teeth are constantly
under attack.
8. Alkaline foods like cheese or milk can help to neutralise the build-up of acid in children’s
mouths.
9. Dried fruits are high in sugar and are not necessarily a healthier option for children’s teeth.
10. For a healthy diet the NHS advises that children’s sugar intake is limited to around 33g
per day.
In addition to Foundation’s three key rules for good oral health, these following tips are
recommended for good oral health:
F I V E T I P S F O R H E A LT H E I R T E E T H
1. Start dental check-ups as soon as possible to get your child acclimatised to being at the dentist.
2. When your child begins to teethe, remember to use a sugar-free medicine if they need pain relief.
3. Ensure you supervise your children brushing their teeth before they go to bed. All children up to
three years old should use a toothpaste with a fluoride level of at least 1000ppm (parts per million).
After three years old, they should use a toothpaste that contains 1350ppm to 1500ppm.
4. Keep any sweets and sugary snacks for mealtimes only.
5. Take special care of children with braces – make sure their braces are cleaned thoroughly.
For free, confidential and impartial advice about how to improve your oral care, contact the British Dental Health
Foundation’s Dental Helpline on 0845 063 1188 or email: helpline@dentalhealth.org. Alternatively, visit the the
Foundation’s website, in particular, ‘Tell Me About’ : Children’s Teeth’.
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THE PERFECT BACKTO-SCHOOL PACK-UP
Keeping your children’s lunchbox healthy and imaginative can be quite a challenge. Although
the Government has considered banning packed lunches, with the right balance they can still
pack a healthy punch.
As the new school term starts, we’ve put together a packed lunch that is both great for oral health and will
keep the kids happy.
Tuna and cucumber pitta breads – A new take on a much-loved classic. Pitta bread is also healthier
than white bread.
Spiced nuts – Nuts are great for oral health, but aren’t the definition of appealing to kids.
Raw vegetables and breadsticks with a cool herb dip – Raw veg and breadsticks are also great for
oral health due to their alkalinity. On their own they may be quite bland, but packing your offspring off to
school with a cool herb dip for them is definitely an upgrade on crisps and pre-made dips.
Sweet treats are slightly trickier. The key is not how much you eat, but how often you have them. So, if you
pack your child off to school with a chocolate bar or two, then technically that’s ok, provided they don’t
snack on them throughout the day. By keeping these foods to mealtimes, you negate the damage they can
do.
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CLASSROOM LEARNING WITH DENTAL BUDDY
Teachers and educators of the UK – welcome
back to work! There’s nothing better than
having all the tools you need at hand when
you’re lesson planning.
Dental Buddy, one of the Foundation’s free resources,
is dedicated to improving the oral health of children.
The website – www.dentalbuddy.org – hosts a
series of activity sheets, interactive lesson plans and
presentations designed to bring oral health to life.
It’s even compatible with interactive whiteboard
software. The Foundation stresses that from an early
age all children should visit the dentist so they get
used to the sights and surroundings. Your role in
increasing their knowledge of oral health, not to
mention making the subject appealing to children,
will help us to achieve our goals. Here’s a breakdown
of the key sections.
Early Years
Early Years framework sets out the requirements for
the learning, development and welfare of children
from birth to the end of the academic year in which
their fifth birthday occurs.
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The overarching aim is to help young children achieve
the five ‘Every Child Matters’ outcomes of staying
safe, being healthy, enjoying and achieving, making
a positive contribution, and achieving economic
wellbeing.
children, both within Science teaching, and Personal,
Health & Social Education (PHSE). Pupils should be
taught:
•
How to make simple choices that improve their
health and well-being,
Our resources for EYFS explains why and how to
keep your mouth healthy, along with best brushing
practice and colouring sheet. Please take a look
and download these free resources for you to take
with you into the classroom: Saleable resources
include a toothbrushing reward chart to take home,
toothbrushing puppet and classroom display posters.
•
To maintain personal hygiene,
•
That taking exercise and eating the right type of
foods help to keep healthy.
Key Stage One
During Key Stage One (ages 5-7) pupils learn
about themselves as developing individuals and as
members of their communities, building on their
own experiences and on the early learning goals for
personal, social and emotional development. They
learn the basic rules and skills for keeping themselves
healthy and safe and for behaving well.
Oral health is an important area for Key Stage One
These resources explain how you need to be a good
buddy to your mouth and teeth, how to look after
them and what different teeth do. Please take a look
and download these free resources for you to take
with you into the classroom.
Key Stage Two
During Key Stage Two (ages 7-11) pupils learn about
themselves as growing and changing individuals with
their own experiences and ideas, and as members
of their communities. They become more mature,
independent and self-confident and learn about the
wider world and the interdependence of communities
within it. They learn how to make more informed
choices about their health and environment.
Messages about nutrition, along with more complex
science are part of Key Stage Two learning for children.
Specific to oral health, these include:
•
About the functions and care of teeth,
•
About the need for food for activity and growth,
and about the importance of an adequate and
varied diet for health,
•
What makes a healthy lifestyle, including the
benefits of exercise and healthy eating, what
affects mental health, and how to make informed
choices.
These resources explain what is inside your mouth,
comparing your mouth to adult’s mouths and other
animals and explaining why your teeth and mouths
are designed to meet specific human needs. Please
take a look and download these free resources for you
to take with you into the classroom.
For more information about Dental Buddy, please
head to www.dentalbuddy.org.
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The British Dental Health Foundation Accreditation Programme evaluates consumer oral
health care products to ensure that manufacturers’ product claims are clinically proven and not
exaggerated. An independent panel of internationally recognised dental experts study all the
claims carefully to make sure they are true, and backed up by reliable scientific evidence.
Currently, we have over 150 approved products on sale in 80 countries around the world – 25 of which are
specialist children’s oral health products. Next time you go shopping for your oral care, look out for the British
Dental Health Foundation ‘Approved’ logo.
Children’s oral health products that carry our ‘Approved’ status are:
Peppersmith Tingz
Morrisons Kids 3-6 Toothpaste
Tesco Steps Toothbrushes
Phillips Sonicare Kids
Morrisons Kids Berry Toothpaste
Tesco Steps Toothgels
Phillips Soothers and Orthodontic Pacifiers
Tesco Baby Toothgel
Tesco Strawberry Ice Cream/Banana
Milk Shake Toothpaste
Roary the Car
Tesco I Can Brush My Teeth Toddler
Toothbrush
Fi Fi Toothpaste
Tesco I Can Toddler Toothpaste
Tesco Toddler Toothpaste
Firefly Light Up Toothbrush
Tesco My Baby’s Toothbrush
Tesco Total Care Children’s Toothpaste
Goochi Goo Toothpaste
Tesco Steps Dino Battery Brush
Dentimint Kids Mouthwash
Tesco Steps Flossers
Tesco’s Kids Berry/Bubble
Sparkling Gel Toothpaste
Morrisons Kids 0-2 Toothpaste
Tesco Steps Kids Mouthwash
Tesco Toddler Toothbrush
Head over to www.dentalhealth.org/approved-products and find out more!
Flavour
It may prove to be unpopular with teachers, but a
recent survey has revealed parents are most likely
to take their child to the dentist during school
hours.
Conducted by the British Dental Health Foundation,
three in five people (60 per cent) said they would
most likely take their child to the dentist during
school hours. Three in ten (31 per cent) would opt to
go during the school holidays while less than one in
ten (9 per cent) would do during the weekend.
Although many local oral health promotion teams
and local dental practices forge partnerships with
schools, there is no substitute for visiting the dentist.
The latest dental health statistics1 for children
showed one in three (31 per cent) five-year-olds in
England suffered from tooth decay.
Chief Executive of the British Dental Health
Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter OBE, emphasises the
importance of regular check-ups, particularly for
children.
Dr Carter says: “More and more practices are taking
the needs of school children into consideration with
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EVALUATING
CHILDREN’S ORAL
HEALTH PRODUCTS
PARENTS
FAVOUR
CHECKUPS
DURING
SCHOOL
TIME
how they schedule their appointments. Later and
weekend opening hours mean parents can take their
children to the dentist without the need for skipping
school attendance. The school holidays are also a
great time to take your child for a check-up.
“Not only will regular visits to the dentist acclimatise
your child to the surroundings, they will give the
dentist the opportunity to identify any oral health
problems that may be developing. Early childhood
experiences determine a child’s dental health needs
for the rest of their lives. Taking your child to the
dentist regularly can save huge sums in healthcare
later in life by reducing the number of avoidable
treatments they might require.”
For any help or advice regarding your children’s teeth,
please contact the Dental Helpline on 0845 063 1188,
alternatively, you can view the Foundation’s patient
information leaflet ‘Tell Me About: Children’s Teeth’.
EDITOR’S NOTES
1. NHS Dental Epidemiology Programme for
England; Oral Health Survey of five year old
children 2007/2008.
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