Six top tips for good oral health

2 Oct 2024

Oral Health in Ireland: A Handbook for Health Professionals  was launched in the Oral Health Services Research Centre, Dental School and Hospital UCC recently. The handbook is a publication of the Dental Health Foundation with content support from the Oral Health Services Research Centre, UCC. The publication is designed to support health professionals while encouraging everyone to value good oral health. By valuing and caring for our mouths we can safeguard our general health.

The vital role that oral health plays in our daily lives in terms of eating, speaking, smiling and socialising is becoming better recognised by society which more than ever before is concerned with self-presentation, self-image and aesthetics.

Speaking at the launch Dr Aoife Fleming Vice Head for Interprofessional Learning at the College of Medicine and Health UCC welcomed the publication and commented on the important role it will contribute to interprofessional learning in undergraduate teaching.

Professor Mairead Harding, Dental School and Hospital UCC says: “Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood, affecting around 60%– 90% of school-aged children globally. It’s a common reason for young children attending hospital and receiving treatment under general anaesthesia”.

Recommendations for a healthy mouth

• Eat/drink as little sugars as possible. Particularly avoid foods/drinks sweetened with sugars between meals and at bedtime. Avoid fizzy drinks, whether identified as sugar-free or not. Plain milk and tap water are the best drinks for healthy teeth. 
• Brush teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste from age two. Spit, don’t rinse, after brushing. Supervise brushing at least until age seven. For older children, ask your dentist or dental professional about use of floss and interdental brushes. Don’t smoke/ vape or discontinue if already started. Wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports, during both competitive and training games. 
• Avoid snacking on sweet foods throughout the day. If you are having something sweet eat it all at once, this minimises the amount of time sugars are in your mouth. Whole fruits, vegetables and cheese are tooth-friendly snacks
• Some medications can contain sugars. Always choose sugar-free options when available.
• For children under seven years, use toothpaste with 1,000ppm fluoride. Those over seven may use a toothpaste with 1,450ppm. Follow the guidance unless your dental professional says otherwise.
• Regular dental visits and dental cleanings are essential to an oral cancer check. Risk factors include smoking, high alcohol intake and HPV infection so this is particularly important for people with these risk factors. If you work outdoors or sit near a window all day, wear lip SPF to protect your lips from cancer.

Helpful Resources:

Dental Health Foundation, Resources for Ireland: https://www.dentalhealth.ie/resources/

Link to safe food Health Eating: https://www.safefood.net/healthy-eating/guidelines/food-pyramid

HSE Quit, Support to stop smoking: Quit smoking - HSE.ie

HSE Ask About Alcohol: Alcohol - HSE.ie

For more on this story contact:

For further information or specific queries you can contact Prof. Mairead Harding at m.harding@ucc.ie