Oral Health Education Ms Nomhle Plank Oral Health Sub-directorate

LEARNING OUTCOME On completion of this theme, participants will be able to: Offer Oral Health Education to clients Refer clients with oral health diseases to Oral Health facilities

INTRODUCTION The functions of teeth are: 1. Chewing 2. Swallowing 3. Speaking 4. Facial expression 5. Showing one’s emotions

INTRODUCTION Untreated tooth decay leads to: –Infection –Toothache Preventative Dentistry: –Preventing pain, infection, bad breath, bleeding gums –The need to have one’s teeth extracted

WHAT WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE TEETH AND GUMS Activity One- Tooth Structure –Can you name the three parts of the tooth –Describe the three parts of the tooth –Name four types of teeth –Describe the support system of the tooth

PLAGUE Activity Two: Can plague easily be seen on the teeth? How can one stop plague from forming? Is plague hard or soft? What harm does plague do?

CALCULUS Calculus is a hard calcified mass that can only be removed by: –an hygienist, –dentist or –dental therapist With special scaling instruments

DENTAL CARIES/TOOTH DECAY DEFINITION PRIMARY CAUSE – Dental plague SECONDARY CAUSES –Saliva –Teeth –Lactrogenic Factors

NURSING TOOTH DECAY CAUSES: –Plague –Diet –Time –Feeding Pattern –Oral Hygiene

NURSING TOOTH DECAY Symptoms Prevention Importance of primary (milk) teeth

GUM DISEASE (GINGIVITIS AND PERIODONTITIS) Signs and symptoms Advise to be given to the patient Gingivitis Peridontitis

COMMON DENTAL PROBLEMS Mouth ulcers Vitamin deficiencies Problems caused by smoking and tobacco chewing Misuse of medicine

PREVENTION OF ORAL DISEASES (1) Brushing

Choosing the right brush

PREVENTION OF ORAL DISEASES (2) Dental floss / other interdental aids Interdental Brushes

PREVENTION OF ORAL DISEASES (3) Caring for dentures Diet

PREVENTION OF ORAL DISEASES (4) Fluoride Fissure sealant Sealants

PREVENTION OF ORAL DISEASES (5) The dental team –Dentist –Oral hygienists –Dental therapist –Dental assistant –Dental technician

PREVENTION OF ORAL DISEASES (6) Preventative measures against injuries Mouth Guard

TYPES OF DENTAL TREATMENT Examination Fillings Scaling and polishing Extractions Dentures Fillings

TYPES OF DENTAL TREATMENT Fluoride treatments Fissure sealing Orthodontics

THE ORAL HEALTH SERVICES IN THE FREE STATE For more information about oral health in your district contact: –Dr. Reddy Xhariep –Dr. Makenete Motheo –Dr. vdMerwe Lejweleputswa –Dr. De Velliers T/Mofutsanyana –Dr. Kriel DC 20