Childsmile Flashcards
What is the role of a dental health support worker (DHSW)?
- Contacts children from 3 months
- Make first appointment for the child with local childsmile dental service
- Provide a central link between dental services, family and health visitor
- Give additional oral health support to children and families most in need
- Link children who have been identified as not currently attending a dentist with local childsmile dental service
From what age should Fluoride varnish be applied and how often?
F varnish should be applied 2x yearly from the age of 2 in childsmile practice (SDCEP)
F varnish may also be applied 2x yearly in priority nurseries from age 3.
What is the correct dose of Duraphat for deciduous (under 6 yrs) and mixed dentition (over 6 yrs)
Deciduous - 0.25ml
Mixed- 0.4 ml
What is the toxic dose of fluoride?
5mg F/ kg
(0.25ml duraphat contains 5.6mg F- safe)
What are side effects of acute fluoride toxicity?
Stomach irritation, nausea, vomiting
High amounts- systemic toxic signs and symptoms
What is the management of suspected excessive Fluoride
Give child a glass of milk and send to A&E for further assessment
Instructions after given F varnish?
Soft diet for the rest of the day to reduce chewing, dont eat for next 30 mins
Don’t brush tonight, continue 2x daily in the morning.
Fluoride supplements not to be taken for next 2 days
Advise teeth may appear discoloured temporarily
3 actions of Fluoride varnish on the teeth?
- slows development of decay (stops demineralisation)
- speeds up remineralisation (enamel more resistant to decay)
- can stop bacterial metabolism at high concentration to produce less acid
What are 2 contraindications for fluoride varnish?
Allergy to colophony (in plasters)
Asthma (if severe)
What are the 3 elements of childsmile?
Core (supervised daily tooth brushing)
Practice (2x yearly F varnish, yearly check ups and treatment, oral health advice)
Nursery (2x yearly F varnish in priority nurseries by EDDNs and DHSWs)
