Support booklet for healthy teeth and gums
If we are living with a severe mental illness (for example schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or psychosis) we can be more likely to develop physical health problems than the general population. We are also more likely to have problems with our teeth or gums, including having more fillings than the general population or perhaps needing to have teeth removed. We may also find it hard to stick to healthy teeth routines each day. Everyone’s situation is different, but we know that good mental and physical health go hand in hand.
This easy-to-read booklet has been coproduced to share some simple ways to keep our teeth and gums healthy. It can support us to develop more healthy routines. It also explains how professionals including our Healthy Together team can help us all to have healthier teeth and gums.
Whilst the NHS recommends that we see a dentist at least once a year for a check-up, we know that dental surgeries will not always take on new NHS patients, and we have no choice but to join a very long waiting list, look for a new dentist or go privately.
However, there are things we can do to look after our teeth and gums and to help keep them as healthy as possible.