The Oral Health Improvement Team, Smile 360, at Oxford Health works on behalf of Oxfordshire County Council to improve oral health across the county. We deliver engaging training to health and non-health professionals and work closely with the public to share key oral health messages and offer practical support.
Why oral health matters?
Your mouth is a big part of your overall health. If your mouth is healthy, it helps you:
- eat and speak properly
- feel more confident
- take part in school, work, and social life
But if your mouth is not healthy, it can:
- cause pain and affect how you sleep
- change what you eat or drink
- affect your mood, behaviour, and how well you can focus
- Impact your confidence and self esteem
Oral health and general health
Your oral health and general health are closely linked. Problems in one can affect the other. Some of the things that cause poor oral health can also lead to other health problems. For example:
- Eating or drinking a lot of sugar (fizzy drinks, sweet snacks, juices or smoothies) can lead to tooth decay and obesity
- These are called non-communicable diseases, which means they aren’t spread from person to person
Oral health and pregnancy
Looking after your mouth during pregnancy is important for both you and your baby. Hormonal changes can make your gums more sensitive and prone to bleeding, so regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste and visiting the dentist are key. Keeping your mouth healthy can help reduce the risk of gum problems and even support your baby’s overall health.
Oral health through life
Looking after your mouth is important at every age — from babies to older adults. Good oral health helps you stay well throughout your life. Good oral health starts early! From the moment your baby’s first tooth appears, it’s important to brush twice a day with a smear of fluoride toothpaste. Encouraging healthy habits early helps protect little teeth from decay and sets up a lifetime of happy smiles. Regular dental check-ups and choosing healthy snacks and drinks also make a big difference.
Oral Health Tips for All Ages
Brushing Basics
- Start brushing as soon as your baby’s first tooth appears.
- Use a small-headed, soft or medium-bristled toothbrush.
- Always use fluoride toothpaste.
- For children aged 0–3 years, use a smear of toothpaste.
- For children and adults aged 3 years and above, use a pea-sized amount.
- Brush in gentle, circular motions. Point the bristles at a 45 degree angle towards the gum line.
- Brush for two minutes, spending about 30 seconds on each quarter of the mouth.
- After brushing, spit out the bubbles—don’t rinse with water or mouthwash.
Healthy Eating and Drinking
- Keep sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes and to a minimum.
- Choose sugar-free snacks, and drink water or milk between meals.
Dental Visits
- A child’s first dental visit should be when their first tooth appears or before their first birthday.
- Attend regular dental check-ups, as often as your dentist recommends.
- Find an NHS dentist at NHS.uk.
- NHS dentistry is free for children up to age 18, and for anyone who is pregnant or has had a baby in the last 12 months
Why oral health matters
Your mouth is a big part of your overall health.
Looking after your mouth is important at every age — from babies to older adults. Good oral health helps you stay well throughout your life.
A big thank you to our Baby Week leads at Oxfordshire County Council for this blog feature! Find out about all the events and activities they have planned during Baby Week here.