13 MAR 2024 No Smoking Day is an annual health awareness day in the UK that encourages smokers to quit. Held on the second Wednesday of March, it's a day when individuals and organisations come together to support smokers on their journey to becoming smoke-free. The oral health connection Smoking has a significant impact on oral health. It can increase the risk of tooth staining, gum disease, tooth loss, dry mouth and, most alarmingly, mouth cancer. The nicotine and tar in tobacco can quickly turn teeth yellow, and over time, heavy smokers may find their teeth brown from deep-set stains. Gum d ..read more

07 MAR 2024 If you or a loved one is living with a mental illness, it’s important to understand the risks associated with smoking. Studies show that individuals with mental health conditions are more likely to smoke, leading to a range of health issues, including oral diseases. This guide is here to offer support for individuals with mental illnesses, as well as their families and carers, providing insights into the links between smoking and oral health and offering practical advice for a healthier lifestyle. Understanding the links Smoking can lead to several oral health problems, from gum di ..read more

4 March 2024 Today is International HPV (human papillomavirus) Awareness Day, the Oracle Cancer Trust is asking parents to sign the Year 8 HPV Vaccine consent forms. The Oral Health Foundation is supporting the campaign to share awareness of HPV and its impact. The HPV vaccine is offered to all Year 8 (12- to 13-year-olds) across UK schools with parental consent. A free catch-up programme is available in the UK for girls up to 25 years old and for any boys born after September 1, 2006. Originally the vaccine was only provided for girls in the UK. After the campaign ‘Jabs for the Boys’ by the O ..read more

4 March 2024 Today, as we unite to observe World Obesity Day 2024, it’s crucial to shed light on one of the most significant contributors to the global obesity epidemic – sugar. In the UK, we have one of the highest sugar consumption rates compared to our European counterparts. Recent statistics show the UK came fourth out of the world’s 54 largest countries in a ranking of sugary food consumption, only behind the United States, the Netherlands and Finland.1 The sugar-obesity link Numerous studies have established a clear association between high sugar intake and obesity. Sugar, particularly i ..read more

20 FEB 2023 A dental practice in Leicester is offering free dental checkups for children and those in most need. Saffron Lane Dental Practice is now offering weekend services throughout the year to support local residents, with a special emphasis on children’s dental care.  According to Dental Wellness Trust, half of all children in England do not have access to an NHS dentist. Regular access to a dentist is crucial for children to ensure early detection and prevention of dental disease. It also helps promote good oral health, preventing pain and discomfort, and establishing lifelong habi ..read more

15 FEB 2024 The Oral Health Foundation is supporting calls to improve global oral health, following the release of a new report. 'Time to Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is: Addressing Inequalities in Oral Health’ looks at the need for a joined-up approach between policy, public health initiatives and clinical practice, to address the challenges facing oral health. Published by the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP), in collaboration with Economist Impact, the report investigates the impact of gum disease and tooth decay, and the urgent need to address existing inequalities. It shows ..read more

13 FEB 2024 The Oral Health Foundation is proud to endorse and support for the Platform for Better Oral Health in Europe's (PBOHE) new manifesto, ‘Smile your way to a healthy life: Working together for everyone’. As a member of the PBOHE, the Oral Health Foundation joins the call for policymakers across Europe to take strategic action in promoting and maintaining good oral health and well-being for all, ultimately alleviating the strain on societies and healthcare systems. In a world where the connection between oral health and overall well-being is undeniable, the manifesto urges leaders ..read more

09 FEB 2024 The Oral Health Foundation is thrilled to announce its participation at the upcoming British Dental Conference & Dentistry Show, co-located with the Dental Technology Showcase, at the NEC Birmingham on 17-18 May. As part of the event, we will have a dedicated stand, offering attendees the opportunity to engage with our team of experts. Visitors are encouraged to stop by, say hello, and discover how we can contribute to patient education. In addition to the exciting lineup of speakers at the conference, renowned entrepreneur and influencer, Steven Bartlett, will take the stage f ..read more

08 February 2024 New data published by the NHS for the financial year 2022 to 2023 exposes a concerning reality: a staggering 47,581 episodes of tooth extractions for 0 to 19-year-olds in NHS hospitals, marking a distressing trend in childhood oral health. Of these extractions, a significant 66% – 31,165 episodes – were attributed to tooth decay, underlining the pervasive impact of dental issues among the younger demographic. Worryingly, there has been a notable 17% increase in decay-related tooth extractions for 0 to 19-year-olds compared to the previous financial year (2021 to 2022). The inc ..read more

07 February 2024 Today, the government has unveiled its long-awaited NHS Dental Recovery Plan, aiming to reshape the landscape of oral healthcare across the nation. The report ‘Faster, Simpler and Fairer: Our Plan to Recover and Reform NHS dentistry’ is, if nothing, an admission that NHS dentistry is in crisis. The new NHS dental recovery plan, while showing glimmers of hope with confirmed prevention policies like water fluoridation and expanded roles for the dental team, ultimately falls short of expectations. The heavy focus on childhood initiatives in underserved areas rather than addressin ..read more