Dental Health News & Tips

For 50 years, Smile Month has helped shape the way people think about oral health. What began as Smile ’77 has grown into one of the UK’s most recognised oral health campaigns, supporting millions of people to understand the importance of healthier habits, prevention and regular dental care. This landmark report reflects on five decades of progress in oral health and looks ahead to the future of dentistry, prevention and public health in the UK. About the report Oral Health: From Treatment to Prevention explores how oral health has changed since the 1970s, from a system largely focused on pain, repair and treatment, towards one increasingly shaped by prevention, public health policy and a stronger understanding of the links between oral and general health. The report highlights major improvements in oral health over the last half-century, including the impact of fluoride toothpaste, public education, clinical advances and population-level prevention. But it also shows ...

Good oral health is essential to our overall health, wellbeing and quality of life. For 50 years, Smile Month has helped people across the UK understand how to care for their mouths, make healthier choices and prevent avoidable disease. Over that time, oral health has improved significantly – but progress has not been shared equally. Too many people still experience the pain, discomfort and life impact of preventable oral disease. Too many communities face barriers to care, advice and support. And too often, the system still responds after problems have developed, rather than helping people stay healthy in the first place. The Smile Month Prevention Pledge is a commitment to change that. It supports the ambition set out in our report, Oral Health: From Treatment to Prevention, to build a future where prevention is placed at the heart of oral health policy, services, education and everyday life. Our Pledge I support the Smile Month Prevention Pledge and the ambition to imp...

The Oral Health Foundation is inviting people across the UK to share their smile and become part of a nationwide “Wall of Smiles” as Smile Month officially launches its 50th campaign today. The special anniversary initiative aims to celebrate the people, communities, and organisations that help improve oral health every day, while encouraging supporters to spread positive oral health messages through their own networks and communities. First launched in 1977, Smile Month has become the UK’s largest and longest-running oral health awareness campaign, spending five decades championing better oral health through education, prevention, and awareness. Over the years, the campaign has reached millions of people with practical advice and positive oral health messages designed to support healthier lives and improve wellbeing. Today, Smile Month continues to bring together dental professionals, schools, workplaces, charities, health organisations, and community groups behi...

The Oral Health Foundation is proud to support the launch of Fuel for Learning - a new, parent-led toolkit designed to help families better understand and influence what their children eat at school. Developed by the Children’s Food Campaign, part of Sustain, this practical guide has been co-designed with parents to make school food systems clearer, more transparent, and easier to navigate. Why it matters Food plays a vital role in children’s health, wellbeing, and ability to learn - including their oral health. Yet for many parents, the way school meals are planned and delivered can feel complex or difficult to influence. “What children eat at school doesn’t just affect their energy and concentration - it has a direct impact on their oral health and long-term wellbeing. Giving parents the tools to understand and influence school food is a vital step towards creating healthier environments for children to thrive.” Karen Coates, Oral Health Educator ...

More people are now using electric toothbrushes instead of manual ones. There are many types available, from basic models to more expensive ones. The best toothbrush is one that suits both your mouth and your budget. This guide will help you choose. What to look for in an electric toothbrush Types of electric toothbrushes There are two main types: Oscillating-rotating toothbrushes. These have a small round head that spins back and forth. They usually make between 1,300 and 8,800 brush movements per minute. Sonic toothbrushes. These use fast vibrations to clean teeth. They can feel different at first. They usually make between 24,000 and 30,000 brush movements per minute. Both types can clean teeth well when used properly. Brushing modes Some electric toothbrushes have different settings, such as: Polish. Whitening. Daily clean. Sensitive. Gum care. These are optional. A basic daily clean mode is enough for most people. Pressure sensor Some brushes have a...

ADHD affects attention, activity levels and impulse control. It can make everyday tasks more difficult, including going to the dentist. How ADHD can affect dental care People with ADHD may experience: Oral hygiene challenges: Finding it hard to keep a regular brushing and flossing routine. This can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum problems. Habits: Tooth grinding (bruxism) and nail biting can wear down and damage teeth. Dental anxiety: Dental visits can feel overwhelming and cause fear or stress. Missed appointments: Difficulties with organisation and time management can make it easier to forget appointments. This may result in missed-appointment charges. ADHD can also make it harder to sit still, stay focused and manage impulsive behaviour during treatment. Preparing in advance can help you feel more in control. Read more about how ADHD can impact dental care day-to-day here. Before your appointment Set reminders Put the appointment in your...

If you break a tooth or lose a filling, the tooth may feel sensitive or painful, especially to hot and cold foods and drinks. You will need to see a dentist to have it repaired. Sometimes your dentist may place a temporary filling. This protects the tooth and reduces sensitivity until a permanent filling can be done. If you cannot see a dentist straight away, temporary filling kits are available from pharmacies. These are only a short-term measure until you can get dental treatment. Why are temporary fillings used? Temporary fillings are used to: Protect the inside of the tooth. Reduce pain or sensitivity. Seal the tooth until permanent treatment is carried out. Temporary filling kits Pharmacy kits usually contain dental cement and simple tools to place it. Follow the instructions carefully. Only use them as a short-term fix. See a dentist as soon as possible. These kits do not replace proper dental care. Temporary vs permanent fillings Temporary fillings a...

Teeth do not all appear at once. They come through the gums in stages. These times are a guide – every child is different, and small differences are normal. Baby (milk) teeth Baby teeth usually start to come through at about 6 months of age. Most children have all their baby teeth by around 2½ years. There are 20 baby teeth in total. Typical order of baby teeth: Central incisors (front teeth) – around 6 months. Lateral incisors – around 8 months. First molars – around 12 months. Canines (pointed teeth) – around 18 months. Second molars – around 24 months. Lower teeth often come through before the matching upper teeth. Permanent (adult) teeth Adult teeth usually start to appear around age 6. The first permanent teeth to come through are the first molars at the very back. These appear behind the baby teeth and do not replace any teeth. They are very important and need careful cleaning. There are 32 adult teeth, including ...

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Good oral health means more than just having clean teeth. It means having a mouth that is comfortable, functional and free from disease. When teeth and gums are healthy, people are less likely to experience problems such as tooth decay, gum disease or infections. These conditions can develop gradually and may not always be painful at first, which is why regular care is important. Poor oral health can lead to: Toothache and discomfort. Bleeding or swollen gums. Difficulty eating certain foods. The need for more complex dental treatment. Over time, untreated problems can become more serious. They may require fillings, extractions or ongoing care that could have been avoided with early action. Good oral health supports: Strong teeth and healthy gums. Comfortable eating and speaking. Fresher breath. Fewer dental problems over time. Looking after your mouth every day helps protect it for the future. Regular care can prevent many common pr...

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Dental tourism is when people travel to another country for dental treatment. It is often promoted as quicker or cheaper, but it can come with risks. Why do people choose dental treatment abroad? Common reasons include: Lower advertised prices. Shorter waiting times. Combining treatment with a holiday. However, the headline cost does not always include everything you may need. What are the possible risks? Problems can happen with any dental treatment, but being far from home can make them harder to deal with. Reported issues include: Infection. Ongoing pain. Broken or poorly fitting crowns, veneers or bridges. Failed dental implants. Dentures needing repeated adjustments. Treatment that was more extensive than expected. Difficulty getting follow-up care. If complications happen after you return home, correcting the work can be expensive. Where will my first consultation take place? Some overseas clinics offer initial consultations in your home country ...

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The Oral Health Foundation has welcomed government plans to roll out new neighbourhood health centres across England – but says they must not be seen as a quick fix for the wider crisis in NHS dentistry.  The charity says the move could help bring care closer to communities and improve access for those most in need. However, it warns that without proper investment and planning, the new hubs risk falling short of their promise.  The government has announced the first 27 neighbourhood health centres, with hundreds more planned over the next decade. The aim is to bring services like GP care, pharmacy, urgent treatment –and in some cases dental care – together under one roof.  The government hopes the centres will make it easier for patients to access care closer to home, while also easing pressure on hospitals.  Karen Coates, Senior Oral Health Educator at the Oral Health Foundation, b...

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Your mouth and your heart may seem unrelated, but they are closely connected. Research shows that gum disease and poor oral health are linked with heart disease. Looking after your teeth and gums is an important part of protecting your overall health, including your heart. How oral health affects the heart Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It happens when plaque builds up along the gumline, causing inflammation. Bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream. This may contribute to inflammation in other parts of the body, including the heart and blood vessels. This link means: People with gum disease may have a higher risk of heart disease. Inflammation in the body may affect both the gums and the heart. Poor oral health can be part of a wider pattern of health problems. If you have a heart condition If you have been diagnosed with heart disease, keeping your mouth healthy is important. Infections in the mouth can sometimes sp...

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A partial denture is used when you still have some of your natural teeth but need to replace one or more missing teeth. It is a removable plate with false teeth attached. It helps you chew, speak and smile more confidently. Partial dentures may: Be made fully from plastic. Be made from a mix of metal and plastic. Have small clips (clasps) that hold onto your natural teeth to keep the denture in place. Sometimes, you show small metal clips when you smile or open your mouth. Plastic partial dentures Plastic (acrylic) partial dentures are: Usually less expensive. Made completely from a pink plastic material with false teeth attached. Quicker and simpler to make. However: They can feel bulkier in the mouth. If not well designed, they may put pressure on natural teeth and gums. Over time, this pressure could affect the health of your remaining teeth. Metal partial dentures Metal partial dentures are: Stronger and thinner than plastic dentures. Often more...

There is growing evidence of a link between serious gum disease and conditions that affect memory and thinking, including Alzheimer's disease. Scientists are still studying this, but the relationship appears to work both ways. Looking after your gums is important for your mouth and your overall health. How gum disease may affect the brain Gum disease (periodontitis) is a long-term infection of the gums caused by bacteria in plaque. When gums are inflamed and infected: Bacteria can enter the bloodstream. The body produces chemicals linked to inflammation. This inflammation may affect other parts of the body, including the brain. Some studies have found bacteria linked to gum disease, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers think long-term inflammation and infection may play a part in changes in the brain linked to memory decline. This does not mean gum disease directly causes Alzheimer’s disease. Howeve...

Pregnancy causes many changes in the body, including in the mouth. Hormone changes can make gums more sensitive to plaque and more likely to become inflamed. There is also growing evidence of a link between serious gum disease and some pregnancy complications. Scientists are still studying this, but the relationship is important to understand. Looking after your gums during pregnancy helps protect your mouth and may support overall health. How gum disease may affect pregnancy Gum disease (periodontitis) is a long-term infection of the gums. When gums are infected: Bacteria can enter the bloodstream. The body produces chemicals linked to inflammation. These bacteria and chemicals may reach the placenta. Researchers think this may play a role in problems such as: Babies being born too early. Babies having a low birth weight. High blood pressure conditions in pregnancy. This does not mean gum disease directly causes these problems. But keeping gums healthy is seen a...