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  1. Oral health information
  2. Oral health library
  3. Prevention and advice

Looking after your mouth

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Sugar free chewing gum

Sugar free chewing gum

Discover how sugar-free chewing gum protects teeth, boosts saliva flow, and reduces acids after meals. Learn its uses and limits for oral health. Read more

Published: 9th April, 2026

Updated: 16th April, 2026

Author: Sophie Turner

Quitting smoking (smoking cessation)

Quitting smoking (smoking cessation)

Read more

Published: 9th April, 2026

Updated: 16th April, 2026

Author: Sophie Turner

Snoring

Snoring

Discover snoring causes, health risks, its impact on oral health, and tips to reduce snoring for better sleep and wellbeing. Read more

Published: 13th March, 2026

Updated: 16th April, 2026

Author: Sophie Turner

Alcohol and oral health

Alcohol and oral health

Learn how alcohol impacts teeth & gums. Discover tips to protect your enamel & reduce risks of staining, dry mouth, decay, and oral cancer. Read more

Published: 9th March, 2026

Updated: 16th April, 2026

Author: Sophie Turner

Artificial sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners

Discover how artificial sweeteners benefit oral health by reducing tooth decay risks, acid attacks, and sugar intake – safe, effective, and tooth-friendly. Read more

Published: 9th March, 2026

Updated: 16th April, 2026

Author: Sophie Turner

Eating disorders and oral health

Eating disorders and oral health

Learn how eating disorders impact oral health and discover tips for protecting your teeth and gums from damage. Read more

Published: 6th February, 2026

Updated: 17th April, 2026

Author: Sophie Turner

Cleaning between your teeth

Cleaning between your teeth

Learn the importance of cleaning between teeth using brushes or floss to prevent decay, gum disease, and maintain fresh breath. Read more

Published: 30th January, 2026

Updated: 17th April, 2026

Author: Sophie Turner

Mouthwash

Mouthwash

Discover how mouthwash can support gum and tooth health, protect against plaque, and boost oral care alongside brushing and flossing. Read more

Published: 1st October, 2025

Updated: 17th April, 2026

Author: Sophie Turner

Caring for my teeth and gums

Caring for my teeth and gums

A healthy smile can be a great asset and it is because of this that it makes sense to give your teeth the best care possible. Read more

Published: 19th February, 2017

Updated: 17th April, 2026

Author: Anonymised User

Cracked teeth

Cracked teeth

There are several ways in which your tooth can crack or break and it is important that you get it seen to as soon as possible. Read more

Published: 16th February, 2017

Updated: 17th April, 2026

Author: Anonymised User

Dental care for mother and baby

Dental care for mother and baby

Most children do suffer some teething pains. Babies may have a high temperature when they are teething, and their cheeks may look red and be warm to the touch. Read more

Published: 14th February, 2017

Updated: 17th April, 2026

Author:

Dental care for people with special needs

Dental care for people with special needs

Everyone deserves and needs quality dental care. However, some people need special facilities or services to have this care provided. Read more

Published: 12th February, 2017

Updated: 17th April, 2026

Author:

Dentures

Dentures

People wear dentures, plastic or metal, to replace lost or missing teeth so they can enjoy a healthy diet and smile with confidence. Read more

Published: 7th February, 2017

Updated: 26th March, 2026

Author: Anonymised User

Diet and healthy teeth

Diet and healthy teeth

Learn how to reduce tooth decay by limiting sugar intake, choosing tooth-friendly snacks, and practising smart oral hygiene habits. Read more

Published: 6th February, 2017

Updated: 17th April, 2026

Author:

Fluoride

Fluoride

Fluoride is a natural mineral that is found in many foods and in all drinking water, the amount of which varies from area to area. Read more

Published: 3rd February, 2017

Updated: 17th April, 2026

Author:

Gum disease

Gum disease

Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontal disease) is swelling, soreness or infection of the tissues supporting the teeth. Read more

Published: 1st February, 2017

Updated: 17th April, 2026

Author:

HPV (human papillomavirus)

HPV (human papillomavirus)

Learn about the human papillomavirus (HPV) and the UK's vaccination programme. Read more

Published: 30th January, 2017

Updated: 17th April, 2026

Author: David Arnold

Mouthguards

Mouthguards

Discover the benefits of custom-made mouthguards for sports. Protect your teeth, gums, and jaw during contact sports. Read more

Published: 23rd January, 2017

Updated: 17th April, 2026

Author:

Oral care products

Oral care products

From toothbrush to mouthwash, interdental brushes to tongue cleaners, we answer all your questions about a variety of oral health products. Read more

Published: 19th January, 2017

Updated: 17th April, 2026

Author:

Preventive care and oral hygiene

Preventive care and oral hygiene

Preventive dentistry is the modern way of helping you keep a healthy mouth and means you need to have less dental treatment. Read more

Published: 15th January, 2017

Updated: 17th April, 2026

Author:

Smokeless tobacco

Smokeless tobacco

Smokeless tobacco can harm both your oral health and overall health by increasing the risk of mouth cancer, heart disease and strokes. Read more

Published: 11th January, 2017

Updated: 24th February, 2026

Author:

Smoking

Smoking

Discover how smoking harms your teeth, gums, and mouth. Learn the serious consequences and benefits of quitting for better oral health. Read more

Published: 10th January, 2017

Updated: 17th April, 2026

Author:

Teens' teeth

Teens' teeth

A healthy smile is important for meeting people and making friends. It can also boost confidence, helping you feel good about yourself. Read more

Published: 8th January, 2017

Updated: 17th April, 2026

Author:

Back to top

Latest

  • Key opinion leaders reach an evidence-based consensus on mouthwash use

    Key opinion leaders reach an evidence-based consensus on mouthwash use

    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.

  • Oral Health: From Treatment to Prevention

    Oral Health: From Treatment to Prevention

    This landmark report reflects on five decades of progress in oral health and looks ahead to the future of dentistry, prevention and public health in the UK.

  • Smile Month Prevention Pledge

    Smile Month Prevention Pledge

    Sign our Smile Month Prevention Pledge, to call for a healthier, fairer and more prevention-focused future.

  • Smile Month launches 50th campaign with nationwide Wall of Smiles celebration

    Smile Month launches 50th campaign with nationwide Wall of Smiles celebration

    The Oral Health Foundation is inviting people across the UK to share their smile and become part of a nationwide “Wall of Smiles” as Smile Month officially launches its 50th campaign today.

Most read

  • What to do after a tooth extraction

    What to do after a tooth extraction

    General advice about what to do after having teeth taken out. Includes what precautions you should take and things to avoid.

  • Burning mouth syndrome

    Burning mouth syndrome

    Burning Mouth Syndrome can be an extremely uncomfortable condition which can have several potential causes.

  • Mouth ulcers

    Mouth ulcers

    Usually red or yellow in colour, mouth ulcers are painful sores that can appear inside the mouth and also on the outer lips.

  • Geographic tongue

    Geographic tongue

    Geographic tongue is a common condition which can appear on the top and sides of the tongue, and sometimes on the under-surface.

  • How to spot mouth cancer

    How to spot mouth cancer

    How much do you know about the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer? By being Mouthaware you can make a difference in the fight against mouth cancer.

  • Wisdom teeth

    Wisdom teeth

    The wisdom teeth are the last to appear, right at the back of the mouth, often between 17 and 25 but sometime many years later.

  • Jaw problems and headaches

    Jaw problems and headaches

    Learn about jaw issues, their causes, and treatments. Find out how bite problems impact teeth, gums, TMJ, muscles, and lead to headaches.

  • Cracked teeth

    Cracked teeth

    There are several ways in which your tooth can crack or break and it is important that you get it seen to as soon as possible.

  • Gum disease

    Gum disease

    Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontal disease) is swelling, soreness or infection of the tissues supporting the teeth.

  • Lichen planus

    Lichen planus

    Lichen planus is a disease which can affect the mouth and other areas of the body. Symptoms include white patches on the inside of the cheeks.

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