Oral health

Why oral health matters

Good oral health is about more than just a smile. It is vital for eating well, speaking, confidence, and overall wellbeing. 

Tooth decay is the most common preventable childhood disease.

In England, over a quarter (26.9 per cent) of five-year-olds have already experienced tooth decay, with children in deprived areas more than twice as likely to be affected as their peers in more affluent communities. 

More than 30 per cent of adults also show signs of decay, and millions continue to face challenges in accessing routine dental care. 

However, there are simple changes can help to prevent this in the long term.

Top tips for a healthy mouth

Toothbrushing

• Brush teeth twice a day, for two minutes, ideally once in the evening before bedtime, and one other time during the day
• Use a fluoride toothpaste. The recommended amounts (PPM – parts per million fluoride) are as follows:
  • 0 to 3 years: At least 1000ppm fluoride, a smear of toothpaste
  • 3 to 6 years: At least 1000ppm fluoride, a pea-sized amount of toothpaste
  • 7 and above: 1350-1500ppm fluoride, a pea-sized amount of toothpaste
• Children can use a family toothpaste (1350–1500ppm fluoride) if the correct amount is used for their age, but they should avoid whitening or sensitive toothpastes.
• After toothbrushing, spit out the excess toothpaste, but do not rinse the mouth out with water or mouthwash as this will remove fluoride from the teeth.
• If you choose to use a mouthwash, avoid using it at the same time as toothbrushing, unless advised otherwise by your dentist
• Use a small-headed, soft-medium-bristle toothbrush. Brush in a gentle circular motion with the bristles angled towards the gum line. Be careful not to brush too rigorously or too hard, as this can cause damage.
• If you use an electric toothbrush, hold it against your teeth and gums, with the bristles angled towards the gum line and let it do the work for you. If you push the electric toothbrush too hard against your teeth and gums, it may stop brushing.
• Replace a toothbrush every three months or before the bristles have splayed, and following illness.

Diet

• Limit sugary foods and drinks – keep them to mealtimes or enjoy them straight after a meal where possible.
• Choose tooth-friendly drinks such as water, milk, tea, and coffee (without sugar). Limit all other drinks (even “diet,” “sugar-free,” or “no added sugar”) to mealtimes only.
• Check labels – be aware of daily sugar recommendations and look at food and drink labels to make healthier, tooth-friendly choices.
• Snack smart—Whole fruit is a great snack, but once it is dried, cooked, or blended, it is no longer tooth-friendly.
• Be aware! Snacks with ‘health’ claims (including many aimed at children) are often still high in sugar

Dentist

• Visit your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend, for children, at least once a year.
• Children should have their first check-up before their first birthday or with their first tooth
• Children are entitled to free NHS dentistry until they are 18 years old
• Pregnant women are entitled to free NHS dentistry throughout pregnancy and until their baby turns one.
• To find a local dentist, visit Find a dentist
• In the event of an emergency, if you can not find a local dentist, call 111
• For further information on special care dentistry: http://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/cds

Oxfordshire’s oral health improvement team

Oxfordshire County Council commissions Oxford Health Community Dental Services to provide advice and education around oral health to help improve oral health across the county.

The team

• Provides engaging, evidence-based training for EYFS settings, care settings, and both health and non-health professionals. Training focuses on key oral health topics such as toothbrushing, diet, and regular dental visits.
• Attends community events and groups across Oxfordshire—such as baby groups, health and wellbeing days, and more, offering face-to-face advice and support.
• Supports EYFS settings and care homes to implement tooth-friendly practices and become Smile 360 Accredited. 

Find out more: Oral Health - Community Dental Service 

For support or enquiries, contact the team: Oral.Health@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk