Agenda item

Oral Health presentation and JSNA update to be delivered to the Board.

The Health and Well Being Board heard from Public Health on the importance of Oral Health. Tooth decay is preventable; however, tooth extraction is the leading cause of hospital admission in 5–9-year-olds with 15 million days of school missed due to dental problems each year. Tooth decay and tooth loss can be source of embarrassment and low self-esteem and gum disease has been associated with increased risk preterm birth, as well as heart disease and dementia. In older adults, poor oral health can lead to aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, dehydration and subsequent urinary tract infections. Around 1 in 10 deaths from pneumonia among older adults in hospital or care facilities can be prevented by improving oral hygiene.

The Board received an update on the JSNA data dashboard with comparative data between Oldham, the North West, Greater Manchester and authorities with a similar demographic. Oldham ranked high across the board for tooth decay and plaque.

Members heard how about a shift in the Oldham Approach to Oral Health. The previous Oral Health Strategy (2018-2021) focused specifically on 0–5 year-olds. The Proposed approach is to shift to a life course oral health approach based around 4 priority areas; early years, targeted groups, oral health/food environments and the oral health system.

Officers confirmed that the next steps are to put together a Steering Group to continue work on improving Oral Health with partners and ask the board to identify named members of staff  from respective organisations to attend and engage with the Oral Health Steering Group once established.

Members of the Board noted that Oldham already provided a good offer and were providing toothbrushes and toothpaste to children at key points. Members queried if there was opportunity to increase this offer and address need in key groups such as the homelessness and vulnerable groups.

Members noted that key groups needed to be expanded to include babies, and parents needed to be educated on the dangers of sugar in baby pouches before babies even have teeth. Members also welcome support of older people, there are instances of elderly residents unable to eat in care homes due to poor oral health.

The Board discussed how 40,000 NHS appointments are taken up with dental issues each year. There is a need for a social movement to focus on oral health as it is a 100% preventable issue that is causing a significant drain on money, time and resources.

Some members noted work done on an Oral Health Campaign in Chadderton 6-7 years ago which proved to have a positive impact on the community. Members asked that Officers share details of Oral Health Campaigns to district leads to see what members can do in their wards to support.

Members queried whether shortages of NHS Dentists had an impact on the Oral Health issues faced in Oldham. Officers explained that although it could be a contributing factor, the current focus is a prevention of decay through oral hygiene and improved diet. They further noted that there are issues with access to dentistry, but decay is 100% preventable without dentists.

RESOLVED that, the Health and Well Being Board note the Oral Health report.