Are you taking care of your oral health?
National Smile Month is a chance to focus on an important part of our health - our oral health.
Looking after your mouth is about much more than having a nice smile. Good oral health supports eating, speaking, confidence and overall wellbeing throughout life.
The latest Adult Oral Health Survey for England found that 41% of adults had obvious tooth decay, while almost two-thirds showed signs of clinical decay. Nearly one in five adults had a potentially urgent dental condition.
The good news is that most common oral health problems are preventable. Small daily habits, carried out consistently, can help protect your teeth and gums for life.
Why is oral health important?
Your mouth is an important part of your overall health.
Tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath are common problems, but they often develop slowly and may not cause pain at first. This means problems can go unnoticed if daily oral care slips.
Research also shows that oral health problems can affect confidence, wellbeing and quality of life, with many adults reporting impacts on eating, smiling and social interactions.
With the right habits and regular dental advice, keeping teeth for life is achievable for many people.
4 things you should do every day to protect your oral health
1. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
Brush your teeth:
- Last thing at night before bed
- On one other occasion during the day
- For at least two minutes each time
After brushing, spit out the toothpaste but do not rinse.
2. Use fluoride toothpaste for the whole family
- Children aged 0-2 years: smear of fluoride toothpaste
- Children aged 3-6 years: pea-sized amount
- Children aged 7 years and over: pea-sized amount
Most family toothpastes contain around 1450 ppm fluoride.
3. Clean between your teeth every day
- Cleaning between teeth every day using floss or interdental brushes can help:
- Remove plaque
- Support healthy gums
- Reduce bad breath
- Lower the risk of gum disease
4. Protect your teeth through a healthy diet
Sugary foods and drinks increase the risk of tooth decay, especially when consumed frequently between meals.
To help protect your teeth:
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks
- Choose water or milk as your main drinks
- Keep sugary foods to mealtimes where possible
- Wait at least one hour before brushing after acidic foods or drinks
More information and resources
National Smile Month is a reminder that protecting your oral health does not need to be complicated.
For more information and trusted advice, visit: