Listening to Families Videos

Amelia, Sene and Sophie share their oral health experiences from growing up. Amelia talks about oral health care growing up in Tonga. They discuss the anxiety of being in the chair and how to address this.

Sene Ioane, Dentist, Christchurch Hospital Dental Department explains the services available in Christchurch. She talks about the eligibility for free services and the services available at the Hospital.

Sene Ioane, Dentist, Christchurch Hospital Dental Department explains the free care available for those under 18 years. She talks about the preventative care provided at school and expresses concern that follow up for treatment doesn’t always occur.

Amelia, Sene and Sophie discuss the importance of having a support person present at an appointment. Sene notes the value of having a “second set of ears” to ensure information shared is understood.

Sene Ioane, Dentist, Christchurch Hospital Dental Department talks about the role that fluoride plays in tooth protection and the importance of using fluoride toothpaste.

Sene Ioane, Dentist, Christchurch Hospital Dental Department explains the tooth decay process. She talks about nutrition, the importance of low sugar food and snacks and avoiding sugary drinks.

Sene Ioane, Dentist, Christchurch Hospital Dental Department explains why to brush twice a day. In the morning after breakfast and on the way to bed in the evening. She refers to the multi lingual resources available – links provided with the videos

Sene Ioane, Dentist, Christchurch Hospital Dental Department talks about flossing and explains why it is important to do this regularly. The use of toothpicks is discouraged.

Sene Ioane, Dentist, Christchurch Hospital Dental Department explains what healthy gums look like. She notes that children should be assisted with their brushing until they are about 8 yrs old and talks about how to brush.

Sene Ioane, Dentist, Christchurch Hospital Dental Department talks about gum disease. She explains the early signs – bleeding gums. She notes that long term gum inflammation erodes the bone that holds teeth in place.

Amelia, Sene and Sophie talk about the importance of looking after children’s teeth. Amelia talks about the severe pain from toothache. They agree that doing the prevention work is so important – failing to do this can lead to significant costs. Cheaper if an issue is picked up early.

Sene Ioane, Dentist, Christchurch Hospital Dental Department notes that teeth are connected to the rest of the body via nerves and blood vessels. Bacteria can get in to the blood stream via teeth with serious implications. Poor oral health will impact on other aspects of a persons health.