Somerset County Council is encouraging anyone supporting adults to complete a new free online course to help improve adult oral health.

 The adult oral health course is one of a series of two modules from the Somerset County Council Learning Centre.  It aims to inform anyone in a supporting or caring role in Somerset, either professionally or as a member of the public in the home, community or as a volunteer.

A second module based on caring and supporting children and young people with their oral health will launch in the spring.

Poor oral health can lead to pain and discomfort and it can affect a person’s ability to eat, speak, smile, socialise or maintain good health and wellbeing.

Councillor Christine Lawrence, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing at Somerset County Council said:  “Our priority is to establish good health and wellbeing for all in Somerset.  Our new accessible e-learning aims to promote good oral health to the whole population while targeting areas where it is needed most.  I would encourage people to complete the free training course and receive a certificate.”

How to improve your oral health?

• Spit, don’t rinse when you clean your teeth, this washes way the fluoride from the toothpaste.
• Visit a dentist regularly, don’t wait until you have a problem
• Take children to a dentist from an early age, this will help them to not be scared of going when they are older
• Start cleaning infant’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears
• Avoid using a bottle after one year of age, don’t put sugary drinks in a bottle
• Brush your teeth just before you go to bed and before you have anything to eat or drink at breakfast
• Eat a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, remember your five a day
• Clean all the surface of your teeth – this should take at least two minutes.  Flossing or using interdental brushes will help prevent gum disease.

FREE Training in Oral Health Improvement – Just follow the link at https://somerset.learningpool.com/course/view.php?id=1139

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For further information, please contact the Press Office on 01823 355020 or email pressoffice@somerset.gov.uk

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