News
Staff and Students Celebrate World Oral Health Day
Every smile is beautiful- and so is yours- don’t be afraid to show it!
World Oral Health Day celebrated annually on March 20th provided the ideal opportunity to raise awareness of the importance oral health, to general health, mental wellbeing and quality of life, emphasising, the mind, body, and mouth connection.
Lead by DentSoc dental nursing, dental hygiene and dentistry students, with staff from Cork University Dental School and Hospital (CUDSH) as a Team had a wonderful opportunity to engage with each other and with the public in Cork University Hospital (CUH) and Cork University Dental School and Hospital (CUDSH). University College Cork (UCC) Department of Student Health supported the day, with information on oral health being promoted in the Student Health Department, Crow’s Nest. Dental Health Foundation, Ireland (DHF), supplied leaflets and posters tailored to the promotion of oral health in Ireland.
World Oral Health Day celebrated annually on March 20th provided the ideal opportunity to raise awareness of the importance oral health, to general health, mental wellbeing and quality of life, emphasising, the mind, body, and mouth connection.
Lead by DentSoc dental nursing, dental hygiene and dentistry students, with staff from Cork University Dental School and Hospital (CUDSH) as a Team had a wonderful opportunity to engage with each other and with the public in Cork University Hospital (CUH) and Cork University Dental School and Hospital (CUDSH). University College Cork (UCC) Department of Student Health supported the day, with information on oral health being promoted in the Student Health Department, Crow’s Nest. Dental Health Foundation, Ireland (DHF), supplied leaflets and posters tailored to the promotion of oral health in Ireland.
The students working together quickly appreciated the value that they all have in promoting oral health, both inside and outside of the dental surgery space. The passion and promotion of World Oral Health Day were inspiring, understanding that oral diseases affect an estimated 3.5 billion people globally students were eager to promote oral health in the community. The appreciation of the public for the students’ endeavours was most welcome.
World Oral Health Day provided an opportunity for the students to raise awareness of the key oral health messages and the value of dental visiting: (Oral; Health messages 1 to 8 Could go in a box, along with the information on appointments at CUDSH, starts at yellow highlight)
- Brush your teeth, preferably with a soft toothbrush, last thing in the evening and at least one other time each day, with a fluoride toothpaste. For adults and children older than 7, look for a product with at least 1450 ppm fluoride that promotes tooth and gum health.
- Flossing and interdental brushes are sadly underrated, but very good for you! Floss once a day to protect your gums - water flossers are also a good option. Why not ask your dentist or dental hygienist?
- When possible, reduce the frequency of sweet foods and drinks. Avoid snacking on sweet things throughout the day. If you are having something sweet eat it all at once, this minimises the amount of time sugars are in your mouth. Whole fruits, vegetables and cheese are tooth-friendly snacks. Water and milk are tooth-friendly drinks.
- Similarly, reduce the intake of drinks such as carbonated diet/sugar-free drinks and avoid swishing them about in your mouth. They can be high in acids and dissolve the tooth surface.
- In the interest of both your general and oral health do not smoke and reduce your alcohol intake. Only use e-cigarettes/vapes as a quitting aid - there is growing concern of the long-term negative health effects of e-cigarettes/vapes.
- Wear a well-fitting mouth guard or gum shield for contact sports- you can have one specially made for you in a dental clinic.
- Regular dental visits are essential to an oral cancer check. Risk factors include HPV infection, smoking, and high alcohol intake, so this is particularly important for people with these risk factors. If you work outdoors or sit near a window all day, wear lip SPF to protect your lips from cancer. See more here: https://www.mouthcancer.ie/ https://www.cancer.ie/cancer-information-and-support/cancer-types/mouth-head-and-neck-cancer
- Keep track of your dental visits and dental cleanings. The recommended frequency for a check-up varies based on need and will usually be recommended by your dentist- from 3 months for high-risk individuals to 2 years for low risk. Children’s intervals also vary. A dental visit as soon as the child’s first tooth appears is recommended.
Cork University Dental School and Hospital Students of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene would be happy to support your endeavours towards better oral health. Appointments are available with students, individuals can self-refer: (https://www.ucc.ie/en/dentalschool/patients/#patient-registration-for-student-treatment )
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdF9c4DEbRJzpi1E6tX7cF70TOS2Cm3k7ngJcEo4amO-U_G1Q/viewform
The additional connections that students built in the community will provide wonderful opportunities as DentSoc prepare for their oral health promotion initiatives and the next World Oral Health Day
A huge thanks to all who made this a very successful day and for all of the new ideas contributed by the public.
Tá sé maith chun do bhéal a choimeád sláinte
It’s good to keep your mouth healthy
Students were joined by Professor Paul Brady, Dean of the Dental School,
and Professor Mairead Harding