Your guide to taking care of your oral health at all ages
World Oral Health Day is a global reminder that our mouth plays a powerful role in how we live, feel, connect, and thrive. This year's theme, A happy mouth is a happy life, encourages all of us to take simple steps that protect our oral health at every stage of life.
Good oral health helps us eat comfortably, speak clearly, smile confidently, and enjoy everyday moments from a baby's giggle to enjoying your favourite meal.
This World Oral Health Day, we're sharing practical advice for families, children, adults and older adults to help keep every smile strong.
Oral health tips for babies
A baby's mouth is at the centre of so many important milestones. Smiles, giggles, first foods, and first words. So, the early habits really matter. Healthy foundations begin even before teeth appear.
- After each feed, gently wipe your baby's gums using a clean, moist gauze pad or soft cloth to keep their mouth clean and reduce bacterial build-up.
- When using bottles, stick to breast milk, formula, milk, or water as sugary drinks (including sweetened milk or water) can cause tooth decay, even before teeth erupt.
- It's also helpful to discourage thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier use, and early sippy cups, as these can affect tooth and jaw development.
- Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle, as the prolonged exposure to liquids can harm emerging teeth and gums.
- Once the first tooth appears, book their first dental visit and begin brushing twice a day using a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (just the size of a grain of rice).
- Make one of those brushings before bedtime to give their teeth the best chance of staying healthy.
Oral health tips for children and young people
Healthy teeth help children and teenagers speak clearly, eat well and feel confident in their smile.
- Supervise brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste until they can brush independently.
- For children aged from 3-6, use only a pea sized amount. Brushing before bedtime is especially important.
- Cleaning between teeth is essential too. Floss or interdental brushes help reach the places toothbrushes can't.
- Regular dental visits also allow dentists to monitor tooth growth, alignment, and prevent problems early.
- Encourage a balanced diet, limit sugary foods and drinks (especially between meals).
- Ensure they wear a properly fitted mouthguard during contact sports or cycling to keep their smile safe from injuries.
Oral health tips for adults
Good oral health supports your whole body, helping you feel confident and comfortable. It allows you to enjoy everyday moments even more like sharing a meal, laughing with loved ones and chatting with friends.
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing daily
- Visit the dentist regularly
- Lifestyle choices make a big difference too. Avoid tobacco, limit alcohol, and reduce sugary food and drinks. Switching sugary drinks for water and eating balanced meals gives your mouth and body the best support.
- Pregnant people should take particular care with oral health, as hormonal changes can affect gums.
- Scheduling a dental check up during pregnancy is an important part of staying healthy.
Oral health tips for older adults
Oral health remains essential later in life, helping you stay well, maintain independence, and enjoy the foods you love.
- Ageing increases the risk of dry mouth, gum problems, and oral discomfort, sometimes linked to medication or long-term conditions.
- Regular dental visits, discussing changes with your dentist or doctor, and maintaining good daily habits help prevent pain, infections and difficulties eating.
- Good nutrition, good oral hygiene, and early preventative care support healthier ageing and a better quality of life.
The basics of oral health for every age
No matter your age, the basics matter:
- Brush for two minutes, twice a day, with fluoride toothpaste
- Visit your dentist regularly
- Limit sugary foods and drinks
- Keep free sugars (added sugars) as low as possible
- Follow your dentist's advice about how often to be seen