Dental Health News & Tips

On 4th October, I am climbing Mount Snowdon to raise money in partnership with LJClinic 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...

Dental leaders, educators and future members of the profession have called for a stronger focus on evidence-based prevention, clearer patient communication and greater collaboration across the oral healthcare workforce during a special panel event marking 50 years of Smile Month. Hosted by the Oral Health Foundation, the discussion brought together voices from across dentistry to reflect on the progress made in oral health over the past five decades - and the challenges still facing the profession. A recurring theme throughout the panel was the need to move prevention from the margins of dentistry to the centre of patient care. Speakers highlighted the importance of giving both patients and dental professionals clearer, more consistent guidance on evidence-based prevention and daily oral health routines. Supporting this ambition, the Oral Health Foundation is partnering with Kenvue on behalf of Listerine to help turn the latest clinical consensus on dental plaque biofilm management...

The Oral Health Foundation has welcomed the Government's acknowledgement of concerns about access to dental care for people born with a cleft but says further work is needed to understand why many patients continue to experience difficulties accessing routine NHS dental services. The response follows a petition led by CLAPA (Cleft Lip and Palate Action), which called for improved access to NHS dentistry for people born with a cleft. Rachael England, Head of Policy and Advocacy at the Oral Health Foundation, said: "We welcome the Government's acknowledgement of the concerns raised by CLAPA and its commitment to improving access to NHS dentistry. However, the response largely describes how dental services for people born with a cleft are intended to operate, rather than addressing the experiences reported by many patients and families. "The important question is not whether pathways exist on paper, but whether they are working in practice. The evidence gathered by CLAPA suggests that ...

Author: Oral Health Foundation and Listerine | Location: Global This patient guide explains how to build an effective daily oral care routine, including when and how to use mouthrinse alongside toothbrushing. Based on a expert consensus from leading UK dental organisations, it helps patients understand the role of mouthrinse in preventing plaque build-up, gum disease and tooth decay. This leaflet: Explains the recommended order for brushing, spitting (not rinsing), and using mouthrinse. Encourages patients to choose products and routines suited to their individual oral health needs with advice from their dental team. Highlights the benefits of antimicrobial and fluoride mouthrinses, including when each should be used. Reinforces evidence-based prevention messages on toothbrushing, fluoride use and plaque biofilm management. Promotes consistent daily oral hygiene to reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. For: Patients and members of the public looking to improve ...

When it comes to oral health, timing is everything. Tooth decay does not happen overnight. It develops gradually and, in its early stages, is often painless and difficult to notice. But spotting decay early and taking action quickly can make a huge difference to your long-term oral health. During Smile Month, we’re partnering with VVARDIS to help raise awareness about the importance of early intervention in oral health and why treating tooth decay early can help protect your natural teeth for longer. What is tooth decay? Tooth decay begins when you eat or drink foods that contain sugar. The bacteria in plaque react with this sugar and produce plaque acids, and these plaque acids make holes in your teeth. In the early stages, tooth decay may not cause any pain or obvious symptoms. Many people do not realise there is a problem until the decay reaches deeper layers of the tooth where the nerves are located, causing pain. That is why regular dental check-ups are so important. W...

The Oral Health Foundation has voiced concern over new findings showing that many people born with a cleft face significant barriers to accessing dental care. New research from the Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA) found that people with a cleft are twice as likely to experience difficulties accessing dental treatment. More than two-in-five (42%) report receiving inadequate care because of a lack of professional training and understanding, while nearly two-in-five (38%) say they cannot afford treatment for cleft-related dental issues. Alarmingly, around one-in-fourteen (7%) have been refused treatment altogether because of their cleft. The charity believes the findings highlight unacceptable inequalities in access to oral healthcare and demonstrate the need for urgent improvements in training, access and coordination of care. Dr Rachael England, Head of Policy and Advocacy at the Oral Health Foundation, says: "These findings are deeply concerning and highlight inequalities t...

Brits know the importance of looking after their teeth, but many are struggling to turn good intentions into healthy habits, according to new research from the Oral Health Foundation and mydentist. The nationwide study, carried out as part of Smile Month, suggests that busy lives, competing priorities and uncertainty about symptoms are leading many people to put off simple steps that could protect their oral health. Almost four in ten people (39%) admit they have fallen asleep without brushing their teeth during the past year, while nearly a third (32%) say they have deliberately skipped brushing before bed. Almost one-in-four (24%) have ignored tooth pain, hoping it would simply go away. Ben Atkins, dentist and trustee at the Oral Health Foundation, says: "These findings don't suggest people don't care about their oral health. In fact, quite the opposite. Most people understand the importance of looking after their mouth, but life can get busy and it's easy to put things off when...

Water fluoridation has been one of the most widely discussed public health measures in dentistry for decades. In this episode, we explore its history in the UK with leading expert Dr Barry Cockcroft, examining how fluoridation became part of oral health policy and why it continues to generate debate. The conversation explains the scientific evidence behind community water fluoridation, its role in preventing tooth decay, and its impact on improving oral health across populations. We also discuss how public attitudes have changed over time and why fluoridation remains an important topic in preventive dentistry. Whether you're interested in public health, dental history or evidence-based prevention, this episode provides valuable insight into one of the most significant developments in modern oral healthcare. Listen here Topics covered: The history of water fluoridation Preventing tooth decay Public health dentistry Evidence behind fluoridation Oral health policy

Dental technology is transforming the way oral healthcare is delivered. In this episode, we examine some of the innovations reshaping modern dentistry and what they mean for patients and dental professionals alike. From digital scanning and improved diagnostics to advances in treatment planning and patient care, we discuss how technology is making dentistry more accurate, efficient and comfortable. The conversation also explores how emerging innovations may continue to improve prevention, communication and long-term oral health outcomes. As digital tools become increasingly common within dental practices, understanding their benefits helps patients feel more informed and confident about the care they receive. This episode provides an accessible overview of the technologies influencing the future of dentistry and highlights why innovation continues to improve oral healthcare. Listen here Topics covered: Digital dentistry Diagnostic technology Future innovations Patient care...

A panel of leading dental experts has agreed an evidence-based consensus statement on the role of mouthwash as part of maintaining good oral health between dental appointments. The consensus was developed during a Johnson & Johnson National Advisory Panel meeting, which brought together experts from across dentistry and oral health to discuss how dental professionals can best support patients in maintaining their oral health between appointments. Discussions focused on the importance of effective mechanical plaque control, the limitations some patients face in achieving this, and the potential role of clinically proven chemotherapeutic mouthwashes as an adjunct to daily oral hygiene. The meeting also explored the wider challenge of supporting patients to maintain good oral health outside of the dental surgery through simple, practical and evidence-based advice. The group concluded: "Healthy gums don't bleed. Effective toothbrushing and interdental cleaning is essential for k...