Oral Health Care for Children with Swallowing Difficulties
Useful information
Local pharmacy
Your local pharmacies offer a wide range of services including information and general advice on symptom relief medicines as well as a prescription collection and delivery service.
Your local Healthwatch may also be able to give you information about services in your area. If NHS England has been unable to help you find a dentist and you want to raise your concerns about this, contact them on:
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0300 311 2233
Visit: www.england.nhs.uk
A list of local dental practitioners is available from:
Healthy Living Ground Floor, Lincoln House College Street, St.Helens WA10 1UQ
We are open: Monday - Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm
Leigh Health Centre Pemberton Health Centre
Lever Chambers
The Fountains Health Centre
Dene Drive Primary Care Centre, Winsford
Hallwood Health Centre, Runcorn
St.Helens Dental Clinic
Kingsgate House
Ashton PCC Ashton Under Lyne
Seymour Grove Health Centre
Bath St. Health & Wellbeing Centre
Health Care Resource Centre (HCRC)
Ashton, Leigh & Wigan
Bolton
Chester
East Cheshire
Halton
St.Helens
Stockport
Tameside & Glossop
Trafford
Warrington
Widnes
01942 483401 01942 481930
01204 462730
01244 356809
01606 544188
01928 593400
01744 731395
0161 426 5680
0161 342 7150
0161 786 3331
01925 867974
0151 495 5042
0300 300 0103www.healthysthelens.co.uk/oralhealth@[email protected]
Children who are non-orally fed
Good oral care is especially important for children who are tube fed because:
• It makes the mouth feel comfortable. Mouths only feel comfortable if they are clean.
• Toothbrushing stimulates the mouth and can help to reduce hypersensitivity.
• Brushing the gums as well as the teeth will keep them healthy.
• Plaque bacteria from the mouth can cause chest infections.
• Toothbrushing can help prevent bad breath (halitosis).
• If the tube is temporary, a good oral hygiene habit is already in place for when oral feeding starts again.
When swallowing is difficult
Tilt your child’s head forward to help prevent aspiration when toothbrushing.
Use a low foaming or non-flavoured toothpaste (the dentist can advise which one is best for your child).
An aspirating toothbrush which is attached to suction may be needed.
Toothbrushing
Start brushing as soon as your child’s first tooth appears.
Position your child correctly to protect their airway.
Brush in the morning and again last thing at night.
Use a small soft toothbrush or electric toothbrush.
Use a family fluoride toothpaste containing 1000 parts per million (ppm) - 1450ppm fluoride. It contains more fluoride than children’s toothpaste and will help to prevent decay
Do not wet the toothbrush.
Use the correct amount of toothpaste for your child’s age.
Gently brush all surfaces of your child’s teeth and gums.
Encourage your child to spit the toothpaste out or aspirate/wipe away the excess after brushing. Do not rinse with water or mouthwash.
Always supervise/help your child during toothbrushing.
Special toothbrushes
There are special toothbrushes that brush three sides of the teeth at once.
The dental team will advise you where you can buy them.