The project, led by Edinburgh Community Food nutritionists and overseas dentist Ahmed Bagaber from LINKnet Mentoring, focuses on empowering individuals, particularly Scots and ethnic minorities, to make informed dietary choices that enhance not only their overall health but specifically their oral health. By emphasizing cooking skills and nutrition knowledge, the initiative aims to instill sustainable habits that promote oral health wellness.
A healthy balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals is vital for maintaining optimal oral health. 'Eat Well for Oral Health' emphasizes the importance of consuming a variety of nutrient-dense foods to support healthy gums and teeth. Through educational outreach, the project has successfully engaged nearly 2,000 households in Edinburgh and the Lothians over the past two years, fostering a culture of oral health awareness.
Jo Howie, Senior Food and Health Development Officer at Edinburgh Community Food, highlights the project's success during National Smile Month, underscoring the critical link between nutrition and oral health. In a challenging food environment with limited access to dental care, initiatives like 'Eat Well for Oral Health' play a crucial role in preventing oral health issues and promoting overall well-being among vulnerable populations.
Funded and overseen by The Scottish Government and managed by NHS Lothian's Oral Health Improvement Team, the project provides participants with comprehensive support, including guidance on accessing dental services, oral health education, and free nutrition resources. Collaborating with NHS Education for Scotland, the initiative has developed 'Open Badges,' bite-sized learning resources on oral health for community workers, enhancing knowledge dissemination.
Karen Coates, a registered dental nurse and oral health educator, emphasizes the lack of education on the impact of diet on oral and overall health in the UK. Recommending tooth-friendly choices like raw nuts, vegetables, cheese, and breadsticks, she highlights the long-term benefits of making healthy dietary decisions. The project aims to bridge this educational gap and empower individuals to make informed choices for their oral health.
Through existing community networks and partnerships, 'Eat Well for Oral Health' maximizes its reach to benefit as many individuals as possible. As part of its engagement during National Smile Month, the project also participated in the Oral Health Foundation's podcast, offering valuable insights and advice on dental health. With sessions not only in Edinburgh but also in East, West, and Midlothian, the project continues to expand its impact on oral health education and promotion.
