Lift the Lip
Lif
t the Lip is a public oral health awareness and prevention program that aims to reduce tooth decay through early intervention.
Child health nurses are being trained and equipped with resources to identify dental disease in young children and provide preventative oral health advice to families during child health nurse check ups. Further, as part of the program, child health nurses can now refer children directly to dental practitioners for free dental treatment.
The program launched at Browns Plains Community Centre and will be introduced progressively across the Brisbane metropolitan area during 2016.
The program was developed in partnership between Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Metro South Oral Health Services, and Child and Youth Community Health Service.
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Tooth decay
Good oral health is an essential part of good general health and well-being and is important for all Queenslanders. Unfortunately, the levels of tooth decay in Queensland are far too high.
- Just over half (53%) or around 340,000 Queensland children aged 5 to 15 years have had some tooth decay
- Almost a quarter (23%) of QUeensland children aged 5-15 years have 4 or more teeth affected by decay
- 45% of potentially preventable hospitalisations in Queensland children aged 5 to 9 years were due to dental conditions?
- Only 20% of Queensland children make their first dental visit by the age of 2, and only one third have seen a dental practitioner by the age of 5
- Only two thirds (68%) of Queensland children are receiving a dental check-up at least every 2 years
Individuals, families, communities all suffer the burden of tooth decay through pain and discomfort, poor self-esteem, lost hours at school and work and expensive treatment options.
Tips for healthy teeth
- Brush well: Brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Eat well: Eat healthy foods and reduce the intake of sugary foods to lower risk of tooth decay
- Drink well: Drinks lots of water and limit intake of sugary drinks, for example, soft drinks, juice sports drinks and flavoured milk
- Play well: Wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports like football to prevent injury and trauma to the teeth and mouth
- Stay well: have regular dental check-ups