Every year on 20 March, World Oral Health Day reminds us how important our oral health is for our overall well-being. This year’s message is simple: a happy mouth is a happy mind.

Your mouth, body, and mind are all connected, and looking after your oral health is a key part of looking after yourself.

Let’s explore how a healthy smile can help you feel happier and healthier.

The connection between oral health and mental well-being

Oral health and mental well-being are closely linked. If we don’t take care of our teeth and gums, we don’t just risk problems like tooth decay or gum disease – we can also affect our confidence, relationships, and even brain function.

Good oral health helps us feel better about ourselves, interact more comfortably with others, and live a more enjoyable life.

How oral health supports mental well-being

Avoiding pain and discomfort

Toothache, infections, and gum disease can cause pain and make it hard to eat or sleep. This can lead to stress, anxiety, and even missed days at work or school.

The good news? Most oral health problems can be prevented with simple daily care.

Boosting self-confidence

A healthy smile can help you feel good about yourself. When you’re happy with your teeth, you’re more likely to smile and socialise without worry.

Feeling confident in your smile can improve your self-esteem and overall mood.

Supporting social well-being

Bad breath, missing teeth, or painful gums can make people feel self-conscious and avoid social situations.

Taking care of your oral health means you can interact with others more confidently and enjoy a better social life.

Enjoying life to the fullest

A healthy mouth lets you eat, speak, and laugh without discomfort.

When you don’t have to worry about oral health problems, you can focus on enjoying life’s little moments.

Protecting brain health

Did you know that your oral health can affect your brain? Poor oral hygiene can allow harmful bacteria to enter your bloodstream, which has been linked to memory problems and other cognitive issues.

Keeping your mouth healthy supports your brain, too.

Smiling more, feeling better

Smiling isn’t just about looking happy – it actually helps you feel happier! Smiling releases ‘feel-good’ chemicals in the brain, reducing stress and lifting your mood.

If you feel good about your teeth, you’re more likely to smile and enjoy these benefits.

Giving children a healthy start

Good oral health habits start young. Teaching children to care for their teeth helps them avoid dental problems and feel confident as they grow up.

A healthy smile can make a big difference in their future well-being.

Take action this World Oral Health Day

Looking after your oral health is a simple but powerful way to care for your mind and body. Here’s what you can do:

• Brush your teeth last thing at night and at one other time during the day with fluoride toothpaste.

• Cut down on sugary foods and drinks.

• Visit your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend.

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See how others are keeping their mouths healthy, pick up some useful tips, and share your journey using #WOHD25 on social media.

At the Oral Health Foundation, we believe that everyone deserves a healthy smile and the confidence that comes with it. Let’s work together to make oral health a priority – not just today, but for life.