Healthy Smile Team

09/03/2026

NHS leaders say thousands of patients are being referred to services in areas with poor oral health.

08/03/2026

💜 Happy from the Healthy Smile Team 💜



06/03/2026

❓Did you have a great World Book Day yesterday? 📕

We would like to highlight three books that are part of our Early Years Oral Health Toolkit, which is available to settings participating in our Brilliant Brushers supervised toothbrushing programme in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, Staffordshire, and Stoke-on-Trent – (coming soon!)

📖 Book 1 - Going to the Dentist by Anne Civardi (Author), Usborne Publishing Ltd (Contributor).
Designed to introduce young children to the unfamiliar situation of visiting the dentist in an amusing and friendly way. Features Stephen Cartwright's delightful illustrations, providing lots to look at and talk about. An ideal starting point for young children and adults to discuss first experiences.

📖 Book 2 - Open Wide...What's Inside? by Alex Rushworth (Author), Helen Rushworth (Illustrator).
You don't really want to find out! Dentist Alex Rushworth reveals the revolting truth that will have children everywhere running for their toothbrush. This humorous, rhyming story of the Sugarbugs and their horrible habits helps children - and their parents - understand what happens to their food to make their breath smell and their teeth need brushing.

📖 Book 3 - Croc Goes to the Dentist by Sue Graves (Author), Trevor Dunton (Illustrator).
This funny, charming story is the perfect way to introduce young children to the experience of visiting the dentist. Also included are suggestions for activities and ideas to talk through together to help children reflect on their own experiences.

Did anyone in your household get dressed up as their favourite character yesterday for World Book Day or do you have a favourite dental book? If so, please share it with us, put it in the comment section below.

06/03/2026

Stoke Thrive at Five

🌼 Join us for Easter Play & Read 2026!🌼

We’re excited to invite families to a FREE story-themed event for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers (aged 0–5)

📅 Tuesday 31st March
🕚 Drop-in any time between 11am–2pm
📍 Breathe New Life Church, Abbey Hulton
👧 Siblings welcome!

Enjoy hands-on activities inspired by much-loved stories like Dear Zoo, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, The Hungry Caterpillar, and more! All delivered with our brilliant local partners such as…

✨ Book your free place: https://forms.office.com/e/ngGcNRLNmb

Please tag any families who’d enjoy a fun day of stories, learning and play! 📚💛

04/03/2026

Listen to All about HPV from The Oral Health Podcast. Do you know what HPV is? HPV causes 5% of all cancers, and a whopping 75% of all oropharyngeal cancers, yet the vaccine rate for protection against this virus is really low compared to national targets. We discuss all this and more on the latest....

04/03/2026

March 4th is International HPV Awareness Day. The day underscores the importance of prevention, early detection, and treatment of HPV-related conditions, emphasizing the role of vaccination in reducing the spread of the virus. So today is a day to educate ourselves and others about the human papillomavirus. Visit our website for more information on HPV. 🦠😷

04/03/2026

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26/02/2026

Did you know there’s a dedicated Dental Advice Line for people living in Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin?

If you need urgent dental help or support finding an NHS dentist, you can call:
📞 Shropshire & Telford & Wrekin: 01743 322199
📞 Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent: 0300 123 0981

Save these numbers so you know where to turn if you need advice.



Shropshire Community Dental Services
Shropshire Community Health

24/02/2026

Supporting autistic children with toothbrushing can be easier with the right approaches. Here are a couple of top tips:

🪥 Try different small headed soft toothbrushes and fluoride toothpaste to find what feels comfortable

🪥Keep a predictable brushing routine – same time, same place

🪥Use visual picture guides, songs, or 2-minute timers to make brushing engaging

🪥Offer tooth‑friendly snacks and limit sugary drinks. If your child uses food for sensory regulation, choosing lower‑sugar alternatives can still protect their teeth

🪥Prepare for dental visits with social stories and sensory supports like noise‑reducing headphones, sunglasses, weighted items, or fidget toys

For more practical advice send us a message, the team are always happy to support you.

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.