Oral Health
![Flying Start Carmarthenshire, Carmarthenshire County Council, NHS, Welsh Government](https://fis.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Logos_All_Together-No-Background.png)
![Flying Start Brushing Teeth](https://fis.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/FS-Man_Toothbrush.gif)
Tooth decay is the most common oral disease affecting children in the UK.
![Flying Start Brushing Teeth](https://fis.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/FS-Orange-Brush-Teeth.gif)
Why oral health matters.
Tooth decay can affect the ability to sleep, eat, socialise and even speak. Luckily with good oral care, tooth decay is almost always preventable.
![Young Children brushing their teeth](https://fis.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/FS_YsgolGymunedol_ChildcareSession_HiRes-15_preview_jpeg.jpg)
![Young Children brushing their teeth](https://fis.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/FS_YsgolGymunedol_ChildcareSession_HiRes-16_preview_jpeg.jpg)
How to promote good oral health.
Young children’s teeth are susceptible to decay when they consume sugary foods and drinks. Avoiding sugary foods and brushing teeth regularly with a fluoride toothpaste helps to prevent tooth decay. Brushing should start as soon as the first tooth erupts and should continue throughout life. Flying Start Health Visitors work with the Welsh Government funded oral health improvement programme called ‘Designed to Smile’ to promote good oral health.