Lift the Lip Screening and Sugar Intake for teeth

Lift the Lip Screening

• During Lift the Lip screening, a health professional examines the front and back of the upper front teeth, as well as the entire mouth.
• They check for chalky white spots or patches, yellow or brownish discolouration, or visible cavities.
• They also check for visible plaque and food debris, and ensure that the child's tooth eruption is proceeding according to the normal schedule.

Sugar Intake and Teeth

• Frequent consumption of sugary foods and drinks can lead to the development of dental caries.
• Sugary foods and drinks contribute to tooth decay and provide excess energy while offering limited nutritional value.
• High sugar intake can contribute to the development of obesity.

Fluoride and Teeth

• Fluoride helps strengthen teeth by replacing ions in the mineral component of enamel.
• Fluoride forms a stronger mineral known as fluorapatite, making the tooth more resistant to demineralisation and early stages of dental decay.

Interventions to Reduce Tooth Decay

• Brush teeth twice a day with a smear of fluoride toothpaste and assist the child until they are eight or nine years old.
• Choose foods and drinks low in sugar, and consume sugary foods at meal times instead of as snacks.
• Drink water or full-fat cow's milk as preferred beverages.
• Have regular dental check-ups at a Community Oral Health Service and perform regular 'lift the lip' checks for visible decay.

Pressure Injuries

• Decreased sensory input due to skin degeneration in older adults can lead to a loss of sensation, increasing the risk of pressure ulcers.
• Cognitive problems, such as dementia, can impair moto function, making it difficult for individuals to move about and change positions, thereby increasing the risk of pressure ulcers.

Shearing Force

• Shearing force contributes to pressure ulcers by causing skin to slide or drag against a support surface, such as a mattress.

Friction

• Friction increases the risk of pressure ulcers by causing abrasion of the epithelial surface of the skin when it rubs against an abrasive or resistant surface.

Moisture

• Increased moisture on the skin or excessive dryness can exacerbate pressure injury development by increasing the risk of skin breakdown and altering skin integrity.

Nutritional Status

• Nutritional status is significantly associated with pressure injuries, and nutritional assessments can provide additional reference tools for predicting pressure injuries.
• Different nutritional statuses can modulate the risk of pressure injuries.

Anemia

• Anemia, a common blood disorder in elderly individuals, can hinder pressure ulcers healing by reducing the level of oxygen supplied to body tissues.

Cachexia

• Cachexia, a complication of cancer and its management, can lead to the development of chronic pressure ulcers when combined with prolonged immobility.
• Cachexia can result in infections and/or pressure injuries.