For this session, use the preceding article on oral care, as well as other sources of information such as other articles, OTC medicines guides and manufacturer literature, to strengthen your understanding of oral health and, in particular, its impact on wider health. Oral care company websites are also a good source of information on gum disease and its prevention. For further inspiration, visit the websites listed in ‘information sources’.

Do you come across issues related to oral care in the pharmacy that are not mentioned in the article? What are they? Do you feel confident enough to deal with them and do you know when to refer to the pharmacist or signpost people for further help?

You will find plenty of information in our oral care article. In order to make it useful and relevant to your work, consider the following:

• What are the most common oral health complaints you come across in your pharmacy? Are you confident to advise self care and treatments for each?
• How should people brush their teeth, floss, use a mouthwash and interdental brushes? Do you know the correct brushing technique?
• How would a customer know they had gum disease? What questions would you ask?
• What other oral health issues might a customer with gum disease develop? See NHS Choices – gum disease complications
• What red flag symptoms should customers be aware of?
• How is oral health connected to general health?
• Why is a healthy diet important for oral health? What advice would you give in relation to sugar, snacks, fruit and sugary drinks?