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  • Millions suffering avoidable dental problems as charity warns oral health has been “ignored for too long”

    Millions suffering avoidable dental problems as charity warns oral health has been “ignored for too long”

    Millions of people across are living with preventable dental problems because oral health has been “pushed down the list of health priorities for too long”. Read more

  • A major step towards a smokefree generation

    A major step towards a smokefree generation

    The Oral Health Foundation has welcomed progress on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill after it cleared its final stage in the House of Lords. Read more

  • Charity disappointed by decision not to offer free dental care to head and neck cancer patients

    Charity disappointed by decision not to offer free dental care to head and neck cancer patients

    The Oral Health Foundation has voiced disappointment after the Government confirmed it has no plans to offer free NHS dental care to people diagnosed with head and neck cancer. Read more

  • Access to dentistry key to fixing mouth cancer delays

    Access to dentistry key to fixing mouth cancer delays

    4th February 2026: The Oral Health Foundation welcomes the new National Cancer Plan for England. Read more

  • Millions suffering avoidable dental problems as charity warns oral health has been “ignored for too long”
  • A major step towards a smokefree generation
  • Charity disappointed by decision not to offer free dental care to head and neck cancer patients
  • Access to dentistry key to fixing mouth cancer delays
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News

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. Read more

Published: 11th May, 2026

Updated: 29th May, 2026

Author: David Arnold

Fuel for Learning: A parent-led guide to healthier, happier school meals

Fuel for Learning: A parent-led guide to healthier, happier school meals

The Oral Health Foundation is proud to support the launch of Fuel for Learning - a new, parent-led toolkit designed to help families better understand and influence what their children eat at school. Read more

Published: 5th May, 2026

Author: David Arnold

We welcome new health hubs but they must not become a “sticking plaster”

We welcome new health hubs but they must not become a “sticking plaster”

We welcome the roll out of new health hubs but warned they must support long-term dental reform, not serve as a short-term fix. Read more

Published: 30th March, 2026

Updated: 5th May, 2026

Author: David Arnold

Your heart health might start in your mouth

Your heart health might start in your mouth

Learn about how the health of your mouth and heart are connected. Read more

Published: 20th March, 2026

Author: David Arnold

Millions suffering avoidable dental problems as charity warns oral health has been “ignored for too long”

Millions suffering avoidable dental problems as charity warns oral health has been “ignored for too long”

Millions of people across are living with preventable dental problems because oral health has been “pushed down the list of health priorities for too long”. Read more

Published: 20th March, 2026

Updated: 30th March, 2026

Author: David Arnold

Overseas dentist reforms could help improve access to care

Overseas dentist reforms could help improve access to care

We welcome plans to expand opportunities for overseas-trained dentists to practise in the UK. The move could help ease pressure on patients struggling to access dental care. Read more

Published: 11th March, 2026

Updated: 12th March, 2026

Author: Sophie Turner

A major step towards a smokefree generation

A major step towards a smokefree generation

The Oral Health Foundation has welcomed progress on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill after it cleared its final stage in the House of Lords. Read more

Published: 10th March, 2026

Updated: 20th March, 2026

Author: Sophie Turner

Charity disappointed by decision not to offer free dental care to head and neck cancer patients

Charity disappointed by decision not to offer free dental care to head and neck cancer patients

The Oral Health Foundation has voiced disappointment after the Government confirmed it has no plans to offer free NHS dental care to people diagnosed with head and neck cancer. Read more

Published: 6th March, 2026

Updated: 10th March, 2026

Author: Sophie Turner

Dr Nigel Carter to retire as Chief Executive

Dr Nigel Carter to retire as Chief Executive

Dr Nigel Carter OBE will retire from his role as Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation in March 2026. Read more

Published: 2nd March, 2026

Updated: 20th March, 2026

Author: Sophie Turner

No child should face hospital for tooth decay

No child should face hospital for tooth decay

Oral Health Foundation highlights rise in preventable tooth decay cases among children, urging improved NHS access, care and preventive measures. Our thoughts

Published: 18th February, 2026

Updated: 25th February, 2026

Author: Sophie Turner

BBC spotlight on NHS dentistry crisis as Oral Health Foundation calls for urgent reform

BBC spotlight on NHS dentistry crisis as Oral Health Foundation calls for urgent reform

10th February 2026: We highlight the growing crisis in access to NHS dental care and the urgent need for reform. Read more

Published: 11th February, 2026

Updated: 18th February, 2026

Author: David Arnold

Access to dentistry key to fixing mouth cancer delays

Access to dentistry key to fixing mouth cancer delays

4th February 2026: The Oral Health Foundation welcomes the new National Cancer Plan for England. Read more

Published: 4th February, 2026

Updated: 18th February, 2026

Author: David Arnold

Free dental care extended to 25 for young people leaving care

Free dental care extended to 25 for young people leaving care

Young people leaving care will now be able to access free dental care, until their 25th birthday. Read more

Published: 23rd December, 2025

Updated: 4th February, 2026

Author: David Arnold

NHS dentistry reforms fall short of long-term solution

NHS dentistry reforms fall short of long-term solution

The Oral Health Foundation shares its thoughts on the new plans to change the NHS dental contract. Read more

Published: 16th December, 2025

Updated: 28th January, 2026

Author: David Arnold

Tooth decay has gone back to 1990s levels, new figures show

Tooth decay has gone back to 1990s levels, new figures show

10 DEC '25 - New national figures show that tooth decay in adults has risen sharply in England and is now similar to the levels last seen in the late 1990s. Read more

Published: 10th December, 2025

Updated: 11th February, 2026

Author: David Arnold

Sugary milk drinks added to Soft Drinks Levy

Sugary milk drinks added to Soft Drinks Levy

25 NOV 25 - The government expands the soft drink sugar levy to include milk-based drinks, protecting oral health by reducing hidden sugar in everyday children's diets. Read more

Published: 25th November, 2025

Updated: 11th December, 2025

Author: Sophie Turner

More than 6,500 people a year forced to change diet for life after mouth cancer diagnosis

More than 6,500 people a year forced to change diet for life after mouth cancer diagnosis

21 NOV 25 - More than 6,500 people every year in the UK living with mouth cancer have been forced to make drastic, lifelong changes to the way they eat and drink. Read more

Published: 21st November, 2025

Updated: 10th December, 2025

Author: David Arnold

Living with mouth cancer costs patients over £2,000 a year, study finds

Living with mouth cancer costs patients over £2,000 a year, study finds

20 NOV 25 - Mouth cancer patients face over £2,000 yearly costs for treatment, travel, and care, highlighting the need for greater financial support and advice. Read more

Published: 20th November, 2025

Updated: 4th February, 2026

Author: Sophie Turner

Brushing twice a day still matters – setting the record straight

Brushing twice a day still matters – setting the record straight

3 NOV 2025 - Learn the truth about brushing teeth twice a day. It remains the best way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Read more

Published: 3rd November, 2025

Updated: 7th November, 2025

Author: David Arnold

Mouth cancer cases in England hit record high as charity warns of ‘rising human cost’

Mouth cancer cases in England hit record high as charity warns of ‘rising human cost’

1 NOV 2025 - Mouth cancer cases in England reach record levels. Oral Health Foundation urges awareness of warning signs to combat rising human and emotional costs. Read more

Published: 1st November, 2025

Updated: 3rd November, 2025

Author: David Arnold

Oral Health Foundation appoints Dr Rachael England as Head of Policy and Advocacy

Oral Health Foundation appoints Dr Rachael England as Head of Policy and Advocacy

03 OCT 2025 - We're delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Rachael England as the new Head of Policy and Advocacy. Read more

Published: 3rd October, 2025

Updated: 28th October, 2025

Author: Sophie Turner

Leading voices in oral health strengthen consensus on dental plaque biofilm management

Leading voices in oral health strengthen consensus on dental plaque biofilm management

01 OCT 2025 - Oral diseases driven by a dysbiotic dental plaque biofilm are preventable. Read more

Published: 1st October, 2025

Updated: 28th October, 2025

Author: David Arnold

Oral Health Foundation backs Jess’s Rule to prevent delays in cancer diagnosis

Oral Health Foundation backs Jess’s Rule to prevent delays in cancer diagnosis

23 SEP 2025 - Oral Health Foundation supports Jess’s Rule to ensure prompt cancer diagnosis, safeguarding patients and saving lives through early detection. Read more

Published: 23rd September, 2025

Updated: 3rd October, 2025

Author: David Arnold

Oral Health Foundation responds to new DHSC–NHS England Joint Executive Team

Oral Health Foundation responds to new DHSC–NHS England Joint Executive Team

22 SEP 2025 - A new joint executive team brings together NHS England into the Department of Health and Social Care. Read more

Published: 22nd September, 2025

Author: David Arnold

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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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Oral Health Foundation, PO BOX 7107. Oral Health Foundation is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (number 1027338) and registered as a charity (number 263198).
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