Healthy Smile Team

19/02/2026

This week is Cancer Prevention Action Week. This is an annual campaign run by the World Cancer Research Fund, focusing on ways to make a difference and reduce your cancer risk.

There is strong evidence that all types of alcoholic drink can increase the risk of cancers.
Although mouth cancer can affect anybody, around 90% of those diagnosed are linked to lifestyle. Being aware of risk factors and having a healthy lifestyle can reduce the chances of developing it.

Thinking about your alcohol intake can make a real difference to your mouth cancer risk. Why not try going alcohol free more often or keep your weekly intake below the recommended 14 units to help protect your health. Free more often, or keep your weekly intake below the recommended 14 units to help protect your health

If notice any changes in your mouth or have any concerns, please get checked out by a dentist or doctor.

https://www.wcrf.org/living-well/health-guides-cookbooks/

Mouth Cancer Foundation

At World Cancer Research Fund, we examine how diet, weight and physical activity can affect your risk of developing and surviving cancer.

18/02/2026

If you’re taking part in Ramadan, remember to brush your teeth before your fast begins and again before you go to bed. Keeping up with your brushing routine helps protect your teeth and gums throughout the holy month. 🌙 🦷 💙

Wishing everyone a healthy and peaceful Ramadan.

17/02/2026

Thank you to all the Care Homes in Shropshire who attended the Care to Smile - Mouth Care Lead staff training with Caroline and Lynsey on Wednesday 11th February in Shrewsbury.

We are delighted that the mouth care leads from the following new and existing care homes came along to receive training:

🌟 Onny Cottage Residential Home
🌟 The Sandford Nursing Home
🌟 Cliffdale Residential Care Home
🌟 Hartlands Care Home
🌟 Sandstone Brook Care Home
🌟 Danesford Grange Care Home

We look forward to working with you and will see you in 6-8 weeks for the review meetings.
Care to Smile is a programme to improve mouth care for residents in both residential and nursing care homes.

16/02/2026

Looking for easy, fun activities to keep little ones busy and support good oral health this half term? Check out the ideas in the image below!

11/02/2026

Make brushing fun with role play! 🧸🪥 Give your child’s favourite toy its very own toothbrush and let them join your child with their toothbrushing!

🧸🪥 When they are encouraged to brush their beloved toy’s teeth, they’ll be excited to join in on the fun and do their own too. It’s a fun way to teach your child the importance of taking care of their teeth!

10/02/2026

The Healthy Smile Team supported Annie's Mouth Cancer Awareness stand at the annual Cancer Awareness Event at Royal Stoke University Hospital today.

It was a great opportunity to share advice, answer questions and highlight the important link between oral health and overall wellbeing.
Together, we are helping patients and staff stay informed and supported.


University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust
Stoke-on-Trent City Council

10/02/2026

“This Is My Place” is the theme for Children’s Mental Health Week 2026, highlighting how belonging and feeling valued support children’s wellbeing.

Positive routines, like brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste can help children feel more confident and ready for their day both at home and in school. Small habits make a big difference. 💙🪥

05/02/2026

Wonderful feedback from one of our Brilliant Brushers schools! 🌟 😀 🪥

Children are really enjoying their brushing sessions at school and the programme is helping to support consistent brushing habits at home too, a key ingredient for healthy, happy smiles.

A big shout out to the fantastic teamwork between school and home. Together, we are making a real difference in children’s oral health.

04/02/2026

📅 This is your monthly reminder to add a mouth cancer self-check to your oral health routine once a month.

❗Carrying out a thorough head and neck cancer examination can save lives!

💙 It is incredibly important to be familiar with the signs and symptoms to look out for. Early detection is key in the fight against mouth cancers.

😀 Follow the steps in the pictures above and share this post to educate a friend!

Put a ✅ or say “done” in the comments below to let us know you’ve done your monthly check!


Shropshire Community Dental Services
Shropshire Community Health
Mouth Cancer Foundation
Oral Health Foundation

03/02/2026

Thank you to the baby group Tums and Tinies at Telford Family Hub for sharing this lovely picture they were given as a thank you from a family after receiving their toothbrush and toothpaste. 🪥🦷☺️

30/01/2026

Well done to everyone who has taken part in Dry January 2026! Deciding to give up alcohol is a great step towards overall health and wellbeing.

Whether you managed to stay totally dry or not you’ll still have learned a lot and should be feeling the benefits. 👏

Let’s end this month with a great post from the Oral Health Foundation on the positive impact of giving up alcohol - https://www.dentalhealth.org/Blog/cheers-to-oral-health

Delve into how bidding farewell to alcohol can lead to a healthier and happier smile.

28/01/2026

⏰ This is your 3-month reminder that over time your toothbrush bristles will become splayed, worn out and will lose their effectiveness, making it harder to clean your teeth properly. New bristles are nice and straight so more effective at removing plaque and keeping your smile bright! 🪥

Don’t wait until your toothbrush looks worn out, remember to change it every 3 months. Your teeth and gums will thank you!

🦷Fun fact: The average person spends about 38.5 days brushing their teeth over a lifetime! That’s a lot of time invested in your smile, make it count with the right habits.