Resources and Downloads
Looking after your Mouth and Teeth
Jun 1, 2024
The importance of good oral health
Looking After Your Mouth and Teeth
People with a learning disability often have more oral-health problems and may find it harder to get to the dentist or get routine care.
A study in Ireland found that 1 in 3 people with a learning disability over 50 have no natural teeth.
Why it matters
Having clean and healthy teeth helps you eat, talk, smile, and feel good.
Looking after your mouth is an important part of being healthy.
If you don’t look after your mouth, it can cause:
- Pain or sore gums
- Infections
- Trouble eating or drinking
- Feeling sad or embarrassed about your smile
Why it can be hard
Some people with a learning disability may find mouth care difficult and have more oral health problems. This can be because:
- Some medicines have sugar in them. This sugar can cause holes in teeth, called tooth decay. Other medicines can make your mouth feel dry, and this can also hurt your teeth.
- Teeth can be very close together or crowded. This can make it hard to clean between the teeth properly.
- Food pouching – keep fooding in the mouth for a long time. It means food can stay around the teeth and gums, which can cause tooth decay or sore gums.
- They may not notice when they have pain or a problem
- Find it hard to tell someone what’s wrong
- Some people do not like toothbrushes in their mouths. They might feel like gagging or choking, or find it uncomfortable or scary. This can make brushing teeth very difficult.
- Drooling (dribbling) can make the skin around the mouth sore and sometimes cause mouth infections.
- Feel scared or worried about visiting the dentist
- Eat or drink a lot of sugary foods, which can hurt teeth and gums
- Acid reflux is when stomach acid comes up into the mouth. This acid can wear away the hard surface of the teeth, called enamel.
Easy ways to look after your mouth every day
- Brush your teeth two times a day — morning and bedtime.
- Use toothpaste with fluoride (ask your dentist or carer if unsure).
- Try not to have too many sugary foods or drinks, especially between meals.
- Ask for help brushing if you find it hard.
- Look in the mirror — check if your gums are red, swollen, or bleeding. Tell someone if they are.
Going to the dentist
It is important to go to the dentist regularly for check-ups and cleaning. Tell the dentist if you feel nervous or scared — they can help. You can ask for:
- More time for your appointment
- Simple explanations of what will happen
- Pictures or symbols to help you understand
- A support person (family, carer, or staff) to come with you
Carers or staff can help with booking, travel, and getting ready for the visit.
Help from carers and staff
Carers and support workers should know how to help with tooth brushing and dental visits. Try to:
- Use easy-read guides or pictures to show what will happen at the dentist.
- Brush at the same time each day — make it part of your routine.
- Give praise and support to make mouth care a positive experience.
When to ask for help
Tell someone or go to the dentist if you:
- Have mouth pain or sore gums
- Find it hard to eat or swallow
- Have bad breath
- Notice bleeding, swelling, or a loose tooth
- Stop brushing or smiling because your mouth hurts
Don’t wait until it’s very painful — getting help early is best.
Take a look at the community dental services in the, Northern, South Eastern and Belfast Trust areas.
Remember
Good mouth care is not just about having a nice smile. It helps you stay healthy, happy, and comfortable. With the right help and routine, everyone can have a healthy mouth and teeth.
- Useful Information and toolkits
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- Oral Health For People with a Learning Disability – Toolkit, NHS England
- Clinical standard – oral healthcare for autistic children and young people and/or those with a learning disability in special educational settings – Tools, resources and modules, NHS England
- Dental care for people with disabilities – nidirect
- Oral care and people with learning disabilities – Public Health England
- Teeth matter! Caring for your children’s teeth: Advice for parents and carers of children with special needs – Public Health Agency
- A Parents’ Guide to oral health and dental care for children with a learning disability, autism or both – SeeAbiltity
- Easy Reads
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- Community Dental Services Easy Reads
- Top Tips for Healthy Teeth and a Healthy Mouth – NHS Torbay and South Devon
- Your NHS dental check-up Easy Read – NHS