Bright Smiles, Bright Future: Why Oral Health Matters for Young People

This national smile month, let's talk about why oral health is more important than you think- and what simple steps you can take to keep your teeth strong and healthy.

From sugary drinks to skipped dentist appointments, this blog explores the challenges that young people face and the simple solutions that can keep your smiles shining.

The problem- what’s going wrong?

Many young people underestimate the importance of good oral hygiene, leading to an increase in cavities and gum disease, so we must tackle this situation by raising awareness and offering help and support. 

Just 58% of children are estimated to visit a dentist regularly. 

This issue is due to high sugar intakes, inconsistent brushing and not enough dental check-ups. Therefore, without proper education and awareness, these problems can follow them into adulthood, leading to costly and serious dental treatment in the future. 

Why should young people care?

Oral health affects more than just your teeth:

• Good oral health boosts confidence and overall wellbeing.
• Poor dental hygiene can harm your job prospects and social life. It can even lead to low self-esteem.
• NHS dental care is free until you are 18/19 in full-time education. Take advantage of having dental check-ups regularly to avoid problems such as gum diseases and tooth decay.
• Poor oral hygiene can also lead to serious health issues like infections and heart disease.

Taking care of your teeth now means fewer problems in the future. 

The backstory

Dudley Young Health Champions and some of their peers took part in an Oral Health Survey. Some of the key findings were:

• 82% brush their teeth twice daily - This is a strong start and is a vital part of keeping teeth clean and healthy.
• 3% have never seen a dentist. Even though this is a small percentage, it is concerning. Regular dental check-ups are vital to prevent bigger problems before they start.
• 86% were unsure of how much fluoride their toothpaste should contain. Ensure you look at the back of the tube for 1350- 1500 ppm fluoride.
• 19% have experienced tooth decay- This can potentially lead to pain and infection if left untreated.
• 15% did not know NHS dental treatment was free for them. This shows a major gap in awareness. Many young people may be skipping check-ups just because they don't realise they're entitled to free NHS dental treatment,
• 34% said tap water is their main drink throughout the day. This is great, because tap water in Birmingham and the Black Country contains fluoride, which can help to prevent tooth decay.

Simple tips for a healthier smile

Keeping your teeth healthy is easier than you think! Here are some quick and effective habits you can adopt: 

• Cut down on sugar- try to restrict sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes only to reduce your risk of dental decay.
• Brush teeth at least twice a day, especially before bed, and on one other occasion.
  • Speak to a dentist for advice on how to clean in between your teeth.
    • Don't rinse after brushing, just spit out excess toothpaste.
• Visit the dentist regularly. Even if nothing hurts, take advantage of the free NHS dental care while you are still eligible to prevent future problems.
• Make tap water your main drink. Tap water contains a small amount of fluoride, which can help prevent tooth decay.

Take Action Today!

Your oral health is in your hands, and small changes make a big difference! 

This national smile month, challenge yourself to improve your dental routine.

Ensure you are brushing your teeth at least twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, visiting the dentist regularly, and limiting intake of sugar to prevent dental decay.

Encourage your friends and family to take their oral health seriously too!