Family Advice & Information Resource (FAIR). UK: Health Scotland price £1; email multimedia@fairadvice.org.uk or tel 0131 662 1962; pp 13 ISBN

1844853217

Keep yourself healthy is a series of health promotion booklets produced for people with learning disabilities by FAIR Multimedia, an independent company. The pamphlet Keep yourself healthy: a guide to a healthy mouth is designed to provide oral health messages in a manner appropriate for people with learning disabilities. It aims to equip this patient group with the knowledge for achieving and maintaining oral health. This pamphlet is produced in association with Community Nurses for People with Learning Disabilities and the Community Dental Services. It is published by NHS Health Scotland and is also available in Chinese.

This 16-page A5 pamphlet contains fundamental oral health advice, delivered in a clear and concise manner. Each page is dedicated to one key message, such as the importance of healthy teeth and gums, regular toothbrushing, the effects of smoking, dietary influences, and regular attendance at a dental clinic. The messages are delivered through the use of short, simple, easy-to-read sentences. For example, sentences such as 'teeth help you eat food properly' and 'smoking is bad for your teeth too' are used to convey key information. The booklet also displays colourful illustrations on each page, using a multi-cultural approach, with cartoon figures of various ethnic backgrounds.

This booklet provides essential and relevant oral health messages to patients with learning disabilities. It is well designed and the illustrations enhance the overall layout. The language used is suitable for the target reader and avoids jargon. There is an appropriate amount of information per page and a suitable font size is used.

All dental professionals should ensure that their patients receive appropriate oral health information tailored to each patient's level of understanding. This pamphlet is a valuable resource for anyone who is required to provide oral health advice to patients with learning disabilities.