What is childsmile?

Childsmile is a programme that aims to improve the oral health of children. 

From birth your health visitor will assess newborn babies so that all those who have an increased risk of dental decay will be asked if they want to join childsmile.

When you decide to join childsmile you will be visited by a dental health support worker - who for Inverclyde are Louise and Helen.  They will explain the good points of joining childsmile and give you a list of the dental practices who are with childsmile, you then choose which one you would prefer to go to. They will then phone and ask to speak to the childsmile trained nurse and make an appointment.

When you come along for this appointment you will be seen by either Debbie or Allison here at Belhaven. We will take you into one of the surgeries or our staff room for a chat on the things you can do to help prevent dental decay with advice on tooth friendly snacks for when your baby starts to wean.  We will also inform you on what to look for on labels to help make good choices for your baby and what toothpaste we recommend.  We will also give you a toothbrush and toothpaste pack to use when baby’s teeth start to come through. You would normally attend for the first time when baby is 3 months old then at 6 months old and after that you would come along every 6 months.  If there are any questions you want to ask after you have come along you don’t have to wait until your next appointment and you can phone and ask to speak to Debbie or Allison and we will try to answer your question.

Qualifications

Debbie and Allison
Foundation certificate in Nutrition May 2006
Foundation certificate in Oral Health Promotion July 2006

For more information please visit www.child-smile.org