ORAL HEALTH
DO YOU HAVE A DENTAL PROBLEM?
If you are not registered with a dentist please call 01595 743200 for advice. Outside normal working hours, if you have an urgent dental need, please contact NHS24 on 111.
PAYING FOR TREATMENT
If you are concerned about paying for treatment and are receiving benefits you may be eligible for free dental treatment. If your benefit does not include free treatment you can apply for help with payment by completing an HC1 form which reception staff hold.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP YOURSELF
Poor oral health affects overall general health, nutrition, quality of life, communication, appearance and employability. This in turn can compound problems for those living with or recovering from drug and alcohol issues.
The key oral health messages are an easy, cheap preventative measure which can cut down the amount of visits to the dental surgery.
- Keep sugar intake to meal times allowing the mouth time to recover between sugar attacks. High sugar intake and poor diet represent a significant common risk for many chronic diseases. Not only does it have significant implications for oral health but for general health including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- Brush thoroughly twice daily including last thing at night using a fluoride toothpaste. Spit don’t rinse after brushing.
- Registration and regular attendance at a dental practice is recommended, however at the moment it is still not business as usual. If you have a dental problem you should call the practice you normally attend for advice.
- Stop smoking
PUBLIC DENTAL SERVICE
The main role of the Public Dental Service in Shetland is to provide care for patients who find it difficult to access treatment from an independent dentist such as patients with special care needs, phobia’s and complex medical histories.
RECOVERY HUB & COMMUNITY NETWORK
Morag Mouat, Oral Health Improvement lead, provides a once a month session at the Recovery Hub and Community Network premises in Pitt Lane. It is a relaxed space which allows clients to discuss any aspect of dental health, financial implications and access to dental treatment.
Information provided by, Morag Mouat RDH, Oral Health Improvement Team Leader, Montfield Dental Clinic
See Scottish Drugs Forum Looking After My Dental Health to find out ways to prevent the problems caused by alcohol and drugs – Looking After My Dental Health