Download information for people with bleeding disorders, looking after your

Water company contact information:
Water Company
Website
Anglian Water
Dwr Cymru
Cyfngedig (Welsh
Water)
Northumbrian
Water
Severn Trent
Water
South West Water
Southern Water
Thames Water
United Utilities
Water
Wessex Water
Yorkshire Water
For other water
companies see
http://www.anglianwater.co.uk
http://www.dwrcymru.co.uk
http://www.nwl.co.uk
http://www.stwater.co.uk
http://www.southwestwater.co.uk
http://www.southernwater.co.uk
http://www.thameswater.co.uk
http://www.unitedutilities.com
http://www.wessexwatger.co.uk
http://www.yorkshirewater.com
http://www.ofwat.gov.uk
References:
Bayer Biological Products Division (2002) A Guide for Parents of
Children with Haemophilia, Newbury, Bayer Biological products.
Brewer, A., Correa, M.E. (2006) Guidelines for Dental Treatment of
Patients with Inherited Bleeding Disorders, Montreal, World
Federation of Hemophilia.
Health Options (2005) Blueprint for Health Manual, Eastbourne,
Health Options Ltd.
Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (2000) Preventing
Dental Caries in Children at High Caries Risk, Edinburgh, Scottish
Intercollegiate Guidelines Network
White, J. (2002) New Horizons: A Guide to Haemophilia in the
Family, Elstree, Bio Products Laboratory.
Looking after your teeth and gums ...
INFORMATION FOR PEOPLE WITH BLEEDING DISORDERS
Although haemophilia, and other bleeding disorders, do
not affect a person's teeth, it is important to maintain
good dental health because the gums may bleed more
easily, especially when teeth are extracted.
A healthy mouth helps you to look good and feel
confident, and successful prevention of dental problems
will reduce the need for treatment in the future.
Tips to help you look after your teeth and gums
1. Avoid sugary snacks between meals. The sugars in
fruit are less likely to cause decay than refined sugars.
Crisps and chocolate are better snack foods than
sweets because these leave sticky residue which
damages teeth and gums.
Avoid fizzy, acidic drinks and drink through a straw
whenever possible to protect your teeth. Dilute fruit
juices with water and chew sugar free gum after eating.
Ask your doctor to prescribe sugar-free versions of
medicines.
2. Brush your teeth, ideally after every meal, but at
least twice a day for two to three minutes.
Develop a brushing routine that cleans all the top and
bottom teeth on the inside, outside and biting surfaces.
Haemophilia Comprehensive Care Centre
Southampton General Hospital
Level C
Tremona Road
Southampton
SO16 6YD
Contact us:
Sister Chris Harris, Haemostasis Nurse Specialist on
02380 794047 or call the operator on 02380 777222
and ask for bleep 2947 (during office hours)
In the event of an emergency call 02380 777222 and
ask to speak to the Haematology Registrar “on call”
5. Fluoride supplements (including mouthwashes) can
be helpful but are not recommended if the water supply
has a fluoride content of 1-ppm or more).
Place the bristles of the brush against the gums
pointing towards the roots (A). Rotate the brush firmly
so that the bristles sweep over the gums and teeth (B)
6. Visit your dentist every six months so that any
problems can be identified early. Children should be
taken to the dentist from the age of two.
Tell your dentist about your condition and show him the
Green Card supplied by your centre.
Contact your haemophilia centre before any dental
treatment so they can assess whether or not you need
factor cover.
Brush down on the upper teeth
Brush up on the lower teeth
Brush the biting surfaces with a scrubbing stroke
Use a medium texture toothbrush with a small head to
reach all parts of your mouth without damaging the
gums.
Replace your toothbrush regularly, at least every two to
three months.
Use an electric toothbrush if you prefer. Some types of
electric toothbrush remove plaque more efficiently than
hand brushing. Ask your dentist for advice.
Brush behind the front teeth using an up-and-down
stroke with the length of the brush-head (White, 2002).
Use floss, tape or inter-dental brushes daily to remove
particles of food and plaque between the teeth and help
prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Your dentist can
show you how to use them.
3. Clean baby teeth with a soft brush and water.
Use a nylon toothbrush and toothpaste for children over
two, and encourage them to clean their own teeth from
about the age of four.
4. Use a fluoride toothpaste* 1000-ppm (parts per
million) for children under 7 years old, and 1400-ppm
for people over 7.
Spit toothpaste out but do not rinse your mouth with
water because this removes the fluoride.
*Do not use fluoride toothpaste if you are taking fluoride
supplements or if the water supply has a fluoride content of 1-ppm
or more (see table at the end of this booklet for the major water
company websites to check fluoride content in your area)