Dental Health News & Tips

The Oral Health Foundation is urging people to check their mouths for early signs of cancer and see a dentist or doctor if they notice anything unusual, as Mouth Cancer Action Month begins today. More than 11,000 people are diagnosed with mouth cancer in the UK each year. In England, new cases have increased by 119% over the past 20 years. Yet awareness has failed to keep pace. In the charity’s survey, half of adults could not name a symptom, while 71% had never checked their mouth for suspicious changes. Worryingly, among those who reported a possible warning sign, only 31% sought advice from a healthcare professional. Throughout November, the Oral Health Foundation’s message is “Change is Your Sign: Remove the doubt, get checked out.” The charity wants everyone to know the warning signs, become familiar with their mouth and act when something looks or feels different. Cathie Brady, GDC-registered dentist and President-Elect of the Oral Health Foundation,...

The Oral Health Foundation is calling on dental, general practice and community pharmacy teams to support Mouth Cancer Action Month, our annual awareness campaign, which starts this Sunday and runs throughout November. Mouth cancer is now among the ten most common cancers in the UK, with more than 11,000 people diagnosed each year. In England, cases have increased by 119% over the last 20 years, with similar upward trends across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. As the disease becomes more common, opportunities to recognise symptoms, support prevention and encourage timely assessment matter across primary care. This year, our campaign message, “Change is your sign: Remove the doubt, get checked out,” encourages people to act on unusual changes in their mouth. We are asking healthcare teams to help turn that message into everyday conversations and practical support. “With more than 11,000 people diagnosed with mouth cancer in the UK each year, this campaign m...

The Oral Health Foundation has described the response to a survey on NHS dentistry by Members of Parliament as “deeply disappointing”, warning that oral health needs more political attention. Just 12 of the 650 MPs invited to take part responded to the LDC Confederation’s MP Attitudes towards NHS Dentistry survey. The charity says the limited engagement will offer little reassurance to people struggling to access dental care. Dr Rachael England, Head of Policy and Advocacy at Oral Health Foundation, says: “Just 12 responses from 650 MPs is deeply disappointing. While a failure to respond does not tell us what individual MPs think, such limited engagement adds to the concern that dentistry remains far too low on the political agenda. “For people struggling to find an NHS dentist, this is about living with pain, struggling to eat and facing costs they cannot afford. They deserve to feel that their oral health matters to those elected to represent them. ...

The Oral Health Foundation has today published updated denture cleaning and adhesive guidelines to help health professionals give patients clear, consistent advice. The guidance covers how to keep dentures clean, when adhesives can help and when patients should see a dental professional. Each set comes with a quick-reference graphic that summarises the advice and can be used during consultations or shared with patients and carers. The findings show denture wearers can receive conflicting advice about everyday care, from which cleaning products to use to how much adhesive to apply. The updated guidance aims to make those conversations easier and help health professionals spot problems that need dental attention. The review was supported by an educational grant from Haleon and involved a panel comprising Dr Rachael England from the Oral Health Foundation; Andrea Johnson, Chair and CEO of Den-Tech; and Delroy Reeves, dental technician, liaison delegate and former President of the Denta...

The Oral Health Foundation has updated its denture adhesive guidelines to provide clear, practical advice for denture wearers, dental professionals and carers. The October 2026 update brings together available scientific evidence and expert consensus on the appropriate use of denture adhesive creams. It builds on the original guidance, with greater emphasis on the different needs of full and partial denture wearers, safe application and removal, and support for people who need help with daily care. Used correctly with well-fitting dentures, adhesive creams can improve stability, comfort and confidence. However, advice on when to use them, how much to apply and how to remove them remains inconsistent. These updated guidelines aim to support consistent advice and help denture wearers get the greatest benefit from adhesives while avoiding misuse or overuse. Download: Denture adhesive whitepaper (PDF) What has changed? The updated guidelines retain the core advice to use a small am...

The Oral Health Foundation has updated its denture care guidelines, first published in 2018, to provide clear, practical advice for denture wearers, dental professionals and carers. The October 2026 update brings together available scientific evidence and expert consensus. It builds on the original guidance, with greater emphasis on the different care needs of full and partial dentures, protecting remaining natural teeth, and supporting people who need help with daily denture care. Good denture care supports oral health, comfort and quality of life. As populations age and more people live with complex health needs, consistent advice on cleaning and maintaining dentures remains essential. Download: Denture care whitepaper (PDF) What has changed? The updated guidelines retain the core principles of daily brushing, cleaning with a suitable denture cleanser, appropriate overnight removal and regular professional review. They also provide more detailed guidance on: Full and p...

With mouth cancer cases rising, this November’s Mouth Cancer Action Month is an opportunity for dental teams to start vital conversations with patients and raise awareness in their communities. To help professionals and practice teams get involved, the Oral Health Foundation is hosting a webinar on Monday 2 November 2026, from 7.30–8.30pm (UK time), offering practical ideas and guidance for supporting this year’s campaign. Hosted by the charity’s Director of Communications, David Arnold, the webinar will help attendees plan activities that work for their team and the people they reach. Whether you want to make more of everyday patient conversations, organise team activities or share awareness messages online, the session will explore how campaign resources can support your efforts throughout November. David says: “Dental teams have a vital role to play in helping people understand mouth cancer and the importance of early detection. You don’t need ...

The Oral Health Foundation is calling for sustained support for communities with the highest smoking rates, as new figures released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show continued progress nationally but stark differences between local areas. An estimated 9.8% of UK adults smoked cigarettes in 2025, down from 10.6% in 2024. This represents around 4.9 million people and continues a long-term decline in smoking. However, local figures show that smoking remains more than four times as common in some areas as in others. Across the five-year period from 2021 to 2025, smoking prevalence averaged 18.7% in Fenland, compared with 4.3% in Epsom and Ewell. The charity is urging sustained investment in stop smoking services, with accessible, judgement-free support focused on communities where smoking remains highest, to help improve oral health and reduce health inequalities. Dr Rachael England, Policy and Advocacy at the Oral Health Foundation, said: Dr Rachael England, Polic...

The Board of Trustees of the Oral Health Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of Andrew Hay as its new Chief Executive from January 2027. Andrew brings extensive commercial, operational and people leadership experience to the Oral Health Foundation. Since 2019, he has held senior roles at Co-op, most recently as Head of Operations, following an earlier career with Sainsbury’s. His experience includes leading complex operations, developing people and teams, and supporting organisations through change, organisational design and development. Andrew already knows the Oral Health Foundation well, having joined its Board of Trustees in July 2024. Professor Tim Newton, Chair of the Oral Health Foundation, says: “Andrew brings a valuable combination of commercial, operational and people experience, as well as an existing understanding of our organisation, our team and the opportunities ahead. “We have made important changes over the last 12 months to stren...

On 4th October, I am climbing Mount Snowdon to raise money in partnership with LJ Clinic Dental in Widnes for the Oral Health Foundation to increase awareness of Mouth Cancer. In the last 20 years cases have shot up by 133% and over 50% are diagnosed at stage 4, reducing survival rates. Please sponsor my climb. Every donation helps spread awareness and save lives with prevention and early diagnosis. Thank you so much for your support! Nora.

CB12 Mint Mouthwash Enjoy 12 hours of fresh breath: Powered by chlorhexidine and zinc acetate, our patented formula* is scientifically proven to fight the cause of bad breath for up to 12 hours. Strengthens & protects sensitive teeth: thanks to sodium fluoride, CB12 mouthwash strengthens tooth enamel and helps protect against tooth decay, while arginine helps reduce tooth sensitivity. Soft menthol flavour: CB12 mouthwash offers a pleasant and fresh soft menthol taste, contributing to fresh breath. Alcohol-free: our CB12 mouthwashes are free from alcohol that can irritate and dehydrate the mouth. 97% natural-origin formula. *Patent No. EP 3697380 How to purchase Look for this mouthwash in Boots or purchase here online. All Cueta CB12 accredited products All accredited mouthwashes

CB12 Mint Mouthwash Enjoy 12 hours of fresh breath: Powered by chlorhexidine and zinc acetate, our patented formula* is scientifically proven to fight the cause of bad breath for up to 12 hours. Strengthens & protects sensitive teeth: thanks to sodium fluoride, CB12 mouthwash strengthens tooth enamel and helps protect against tooth decay, while arginine helps reduce tooth sensitivity. Soft menthol flavour: CB12 mouthwash offers a pleasant and fresh soft menthol taste, contributing to fresh breath. Alcohol-free: our CB12 mouthwashes are free from alcohol that can irritate and dehydrate the mouth. 97% natural-origin formula. *Patent No. EP 3697380 How to purchase Look for this mouthwash in Boots or purchase here online. All Cueta CB12 accredited products All accredited mouthwashes

CB12 Whitening Mouthwash Enjoy 12 hours of fresh breath: Powered by chlorhexidine and zinc acetate, our patented formula* is scientifically proven to fight the cause of bad breath for up to 12 hours. Strengthens & protects sensitive teeth: thanks to sodium fluoride, CB12 mouthwash strengthens tooth enamel and helps protect against tooth decay, while arginine helps reduce tooth sensitivity. Soft menthol flavour: CB12 mouthwash offers a pleasant and fresh soft menthol taste, contributing to fresh breath. Alcohol-free: our CB12 mouthwashes are free from alcohol that can irritate and dehydrate the mouth. 97% natural-origin formula. *Patent No. EP 3697380 How to purchase Look for this mouthwash in Boots or purchase here online. All Cueta CB12 accredited products All accredited mouthwashes

CB12 Sensitive Mouthwash Enjoy 12 hours of fresh breath: Powered by chlorhexidine and zinc acetate, our patented formula* is scientifically proven to fight the cause of bad breath for up to 12 hours. Strengthens & protects sensitive teeth: thanks to sodium fluoride, CB12 mouthwash strengthens tooth enamel and helps protect against tooth decay, while arginine helps reduce tooth sensitivity. Soft menthol flavour: CB12 mouthwash offers a pleasant and fresh soft menthol taste, contributing to fresh breath. Alcohol-free: our CB12 mouthwashes are free from alcohol that can irritate and dehydrate the mouth. 97% natural-origin formula. *Patent No. EP 3697380 How to purchase Look for this mouthwash here online. All Cueta CB12 accredited products All accredited mouthwashes

Cocoa Denti-Pop Sugar-Free Lollipop  Free from sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, preservatives, lactose, gluten and other allergens. Contains dried fruits, natural flavouring and Finnish xylitol. 2 lollipops equal your daily dose of vitamin D and 30% of your daily vitamin C needs. How to purchase Look for these in your local supermarket or convenience shop.  You can also learn about Denti-pop, including nutritional information, online here. All Denti-pop accredited products All accredited confectionery

Orange Denti-Pop Sugar-Free Lollipop  Free from sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, preservatives, lactose, gluten and other allergens. Contains dried fruits, natural flavouring and Finnish xylitol. 2 lollipops equal your daily dose of vitamin D and 30% of your daily vitamin C needs. How to purchase Look for these in your local supermarket or convenience shop.  You can also learn about Denti-pop, including nutritional information, online here. All Denti-pop accredited products All accredited confectionery

Pineapple Denti-Pop Sugar-Free Lollipop  Free from sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, preservatives, lactose, gluten and other allergens. Contains dried fruits, natural flavouring and Finnish xylitol. 2 lollipops equal your daily dose of vitamin D and 30% of your daily vitamin C needs. How to purchase Look for these in your local supermarket or convenience shop.  You can also learn about Denti-pop, including nutritional information, online here. All Denti-pop accredited products All accredited confectionery

Cherry Denti-Pop Sugar-Free Lollipop  Free from sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, preservatives, lactose, gluten and other allergens. Contains dried fruits, natural flavouring and Finnish xylitol. 2 lollipops equal your daily dose of vitamin D and 30% of your daily vitamin C needs. How to purchase Look for these in your local supermarket or convenience shop.  You can also learn about Denti-pop, including nutritional information, online here. All Denti-pop accredited products All accredited confectionery

Mango Denti-Pop Sugar-Free Lollipop  Free from sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, preservatives, lactose, gluten and other allergens. Contains dried fruits, natural flavouring and Finnish xylitol. 2 lollipops equal your daily dose of vitamin D and 30% of your daily vitamin C needs. How to purchase Look for these in your local supermarket or convenience shop.  You can also learn about Denti-pop, including nutritional information, online here. All Denti-pop accredited products All accredited confectionery

Raspberry Denti-Pop Sugar-Free Lollipop  Free from sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, preservatives, lactose, gluten and other allergens. Contains dried fruits, natural flavouring and Finnish xylitol. 2 lollipops equal your daily dose of vitamin D and 30% of your daily vitamin C needs. How to purchase Look for these in your local supermarket or convenience shop.  You can also learn about Denti-pop, including nutritional information, online here. All Denti-pop accredited products All accredited confectionery

Lemon Denti-Pop Sugar-Free Lollipop  Free from sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, preservatives, lactose, gluten and other allergens. Contains dried fruits, natural flavouring and Finnish xylitol. 2 lollipops equal your daily dose of vitamin D and 30% of your daily vitamin C needs. How to purchase Look for these in your local supermarket or convenience shop.  You can also learn about Denti-pop, including nutritional information, online here. All Denti-pop accredited products All accredited confectionery

Strawberry Denti-Pop Sugar-Free Lollipop  Free from sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, preservatives, lactose, gluten and other allergens. Contains dried fruits, natural flavouring and Finnish xylitol. 2 lollipops equal your daily dose of vitamin D and 30% of your daily vitamin C needs. How to purchase Look for these in your local supermarket or convenience shop.  You can also learn about Denti-pop, including nutritional information, online here. All Denti-pop accredited products All accredited confectionery

Today, Karen Coates, a registered dental nurse with decades of experience, discusses how delivering better oral health helps us navigate discussions around alcohol and prevention, tools you can use to determine someone's drinking risk, and what to do if you suspect a patient turns up at the practice under the influence of alcohol. Listen here Read more about this in Delivering Better Oral Health. Get your Think about Drink score cards and alcohol awareness posters for your practice in our online shop. Leave us suggestions for topics you would like us to cover.

Giving up alcohol is one great way to make sure that you stay on top of your oral health. Learn all about this in the latest episode of our podcast. Listen here Topics covered: The benefits of not drinking alcohol Acid levels in drinks Mouth cancer prevention

Many babies start sucking their thumb or fingers as early as the womb – sometimes it can even be spotted on a scan! It’s a natural reflex and a way for babies to comfort themselves. Is thumb sucking normal? Yes – it’s completely normal. Babies and toddlers often put their fingers or toys in their mouths as a way to explore the world. Most children stop sucking their thumb or fingers naturally between the ages of 2 and 4. But some might carry on when they feel: Tired. Stressed. Anxious. If the habit stops by around age 7, their teeth will usually grow into the right position on their own. However, research shows that 1-in-8 children aged 7-11 still suck their thumb or fingers. What problems can it cause? If thumb or finger sucking carries on past early childhood, it can lead to problems with the teeth and mouth. These might include: Crooked or misaligned teeth. Changes to how the top of the mouth (palate) develops. Trouble chewing or swallow...

A water pick, also called an electric flosser or water flosser, is a tool that helps clean between your teeth. It uses a thin stream of water to wash away food and plaque from areas your toothbrush cannot reach. Some people find water flossers easier to use than string floss, especially if they have braces, bridges, implants or limited hand movement. How does a water flosser work? A water pick sprays water between the teeth and along the gumline. This helps to: Loosen food particles. Wash away plaque. Clean gently under the gums. Some devices allow you to add mouthwash to the water, which may help freshen your mouth. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Benefits of a water flosser Using a water flosser can: Help remove food and plaque from between teeth. Improve gum health when used daily. Be easier to use for some people than floss or interdental brushes. Come with different tips for different needs, such as braces or sensitive gums. What e...

Your tongue can collect bacteria, food debris and dead cells. This build-up can lead to bad breath and may affect your oral health. Cleaning your tongue is a simple extra step you can add to your daily routine. Why clean your tongue? Cleaning your tongue can help to: Reduce bad breath caused by bacteria on the tongue surface. Remove the white or coated layer that can build up. Lower the amount of bacteria in your mouth that contribute to tooth decay and gum problems. Improve your sense of taste. Tongue cleaning is helpful, but it does not replace brushing your teeth and cleaning between them. What can I use? A tongue cleaner (tongue scraper) designed for this purpose. Your toothbrush. A spoon, used gently, if nothing else is available. A tongue cleaner is usually the most effective option. How to clean your tongue Stand in front of a mirror and stick out your tongue. Place the cleaner gently towards the back of your tongue (not so far that it hurts). Sl...

Everyone at the Oral Health Foundation is heartbroken by the death of our former Chief Executive, Dr Nigel Carter OBE, who has died after nearly three decades leading the charity he loved.  For more than 50 years, Nigel dedicated his life to improving oral health and transforming the charity he loved. He served as a Trustee, Chair of the Board of Trustees and, for the past 29 years, as Chief Executive, leading the Oral Health Foundation through a period of extraordinary growth and influence.  Under Nigel's leadership, the Oral Health Foundation became one of the world's most respected voices for better oral health. He championed prevention long before it became central to health policy, tirelessly advocated for patients, challenged inequalities, supported the dental profession and helped millions of people improve their oral health through trusted information, education and public awareness campaigns.  Across his career he built an...

The latest jackass film, “Jackass 5: Best and Last,” brought back some needed nostalgia and laughs to the cinema this weekend, but also featured the gang sitting new cast member Poopies down and having him injected with hyaluronic acid lip fillers without any numbing cream or anaesthetic, in an attempt to make his lips as big as possible. In the stunt sequence, someone named Dr. Julie is the one injecting the filler into the cast member’s lips. However, because lip fillers don’t have the same legal restrictions as other treatments, beauticians and non-medical professionals are legally allowed to administer them in the UK. Despite this, for your own safety, lip fillers should be carried out by a trained medical professional. This could include a: Doctor. Dentist. Nurse. Pharmacist. “Injecting lip fillers, especially in a non-sterile environment like the ones featured in the film, comes with risks to your health and shouldn’...

Oral-B iO 9 The Oral-B iO series 9 has been approved by our Accreditation panel for the following: 3D teeth tracking AI brushing recognition Smart pressure sensor, gum pressure sensor Interactive display 2 minute timer Magnetic charger Long lasting battery The smart toothbrush with on-the-go convenience from Oral-B 7 brushing modes for a personalised clean #1 Recommended Toothbrush Brand by Dentists Worldwide #1 most used brand by Dentists Worldwide Our most advanced Cleaning Technology Quiet and smooth cleaning Oral-B iconic round head 100% Cleaner Teeth/ More Plaque Removal* *vs a regular manual toothbrush 100% More Plaque Removal, Even in hard-to-reach areas *vs a regular manual toothbrush Round Brush Head Cleans Better* *vs a regular manual toothbrush Cups Each Tooth For a Deeper* Yet Gentle Clean *vs a regular manual toothbrush Experience iO's Superior Clean* *vs a regular manual toothbrush Get 100% Healthier Gums in 1 Week* *vs a regular manual too...

Oral-B iO 6 (Children 6+) The Oral-B iO Kids (6+) toothbrush has been approved by our Accreditation panel for the following: E.A.P.D. Approved (European Association of Paediatric Dentistry) Tough on cavities, gentle on gums Powerful Cavity Protection, cleaner teeth in hard-to-reach places Designed with dentists Gentle of wobbly teeth & Gums Kid-sensitive speed reduction Celebrate when the job is done (2 min Music timer) Our best technology for kids Brush with heroes, printed design that lasts Cleaner teeth in hard to reach areas where cavities start* Designed With Dentists (EAPD approved logo) Easy and fun music timer 9/10 Kids Love Brushing with oral-b iO** Powerful cavity protection How to purchase Look for this in your local shops or click here to buy it online. All Oral B accredited products All accredited toothbrushes All accredited children's products *vs regular manual toothbrush ***Results from home product ...

Oral-B iO 6 The Oral-B iO series 6 has been approved by our Accreditation panel for the following: 3D teeth tracking AI brushing recognition Smart pressure sensor, gum pressure sensor Interactive display 2 minute timer Magnetic charger Long lasting battery The smart toothbrush with on-the-go convenience from Oral-B 7 brushing modes for a personalised clean #1 Recommended Toothbrush Brand by Dentists Worldwide #1 most used brand by Dentists Worldwide Our most advanced Cleaning Technology Quiet and smooth cleaning Oral-B iconic round head 100% Cleaner Teeth/ More Plaque Removal* *vs a regular manual toothbrush 100% More Plaque Removal, Even in hard-to-reach areas *vs a regular manual toothbrush Round Brush Head Cleans Better* *vs a regular manual toothbrush Cups Each Tooth For a Deeper* Yet Gentle Clean *vs a regular manual toothbrush Experience iO's Superior Clean* *vs a regular manual toothbrush Get 100% Healthier Gums in 1 Week* *vs a regular manual too...

Oral-B iO 3 The Oral-B iO series 3 has been approved by our Accreditation panel for the following: 3D teeth tracking AI brushing recognition Smart pressure sensor, gum pressure sensor Interactive display 2 minute timer Magnetic charger Long lasting battery The smart toothbrush with on-the-go convenience from Oral-B 7 brushing modes for a personalised clean #1 Recommended Toothbrush Brand by Dentists Worldwide #1 most used brand by Dentists Worldwide Our most advanced Cleaning Technology Quiet and smooth cleaning Oral-B iconic round head 100% Cleaner Teeth/ More Plaque Removal* *vs a regular manual toothbrush 100% More Plaque Removal, Even in hard-to-reach areas *vs a regular manual toothbrush Round Brush Head Cleans Better* *vs a regular manual toothbrush Cups Each Tooth For a Deeper* Yet Gentle Clean *vs a regular manual toothbrush Experience iO's Superior Clean* *vs a regular manual toothbrush Get 100% Healthier Gums in 1 Week* *vs a regular manual to...

Millions of people may be missing an important step in keeping their teeth and gums healthy, according to leading UK dental experts. Advice from some of the UK’s biggest oral health organisations says brushing twice a day may not always be enough to help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. The guidance, backed by the Oral Health Foundation and created following an advisory board meeting by Kenvue with representatives from the British Society of Periodontology, the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy and the British Association of Dental Therapists, says adding the right mouthwash to a daily brushing routine can help improve gum health and reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth. Experts behind the advice say many people struggle to remove enough plaque through brushing alone, particularly around the gum line and between teeth, even when brushing regularly. Dr Rachel England, Head of Policy and Advocacy at the Oral Health Foundation, says: “Most people understand...

Millions of people in the UK could be brushing their teeth ineffectively – and not even realise it, according to the Oral Health Foundation. Despite daily brushing routines, the charity is concerned that a growing number of adults are unknowingly putting themselves at risk of tooth decay and gum disease due to poor technique and lack of feedback. The charity is warning that “brushing blind” – brushing without knowing whether you’re doing it correctly – is one of the most overlooked issues in personal health. “Most people believe they’re brushing their teeth well, but the evidence tells a very different story,” says Karen Coates, oral health educator at the Oral Health Foundation. “Every day, we see patients with early gum disease, plaque build-up or sensitivity that could be prevented with better brushing technique. But without feedback, it’s impossible to know if you’re applying too much pressure, missi...