Oral health for adults
Looking after your teeth and gums is important for maintaining good overall health. Creating a good oral health routine is easy and can prevent tooth decay and help you spot the signs of mouth cancer early.
What can I do?
There are lots of simple things that you can do to look after your oral health:
- Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day
- Eat a healthy balanced diet and limit the amount of sugary drinks and food you have
- Stop smoking - visit our stop smoking page for more information
- Restrict the amount of alcohol you drink
- Visit a dentist regularly
- Self check for signs of mouth cancer. Find out how to do this on YouTube.
Mouth cancer can affect anyone, but there are risk factors that can increase the chances of it developing. Mouth cancer has strong links with smoking, chewing tobacco and drinking too much alcohol, and particularly older men.
The rate of mouth cancer in Leicester is the highest in the East Midlands. The best way to reduce your risk is to stop smoking and reduce your alcohol consumption. Regular self checks are key to catching it early. Long lasting ulcers, red or white patches and unusual lumps and bumps are three common warning signs of mouth cancer. Even during the pandemic if you spot any signs of mouth cancer your dentist should see you as an emergency.
Finding a dentist
- Visit the NHS Choices website
- Contact Leicester Healthwatch on 0116 251 8313.
Urgent dental care
If you need urgent dental care, please call 111.