Why is oral health important?
Why oral health matters
Your mouth is a big part of your overall health.
If your mouth is healthy, it helps you:
- eat and speak properly
- feel more confident
- take part in school, work, and social life
But if your mouth is not healthy, it can:
- cause pain and affect how you sleep
- change what you eat or drink
- affect your mood, behaviour, and how well you can focus
How your mouth looks is also part of your identity. It can affect how you feel about yourself.
Oral health and general health
Your oral health and general health are closely linked. Problems in one can affect the other.
Some of the same things that cause poor oral health can also lead to other health problems. For example:
- Eating or drinking a lot of sugar — in fizzy drinks, sweet snacks, fruit juices or smoothies — can lead to tooth decay and obesity
- These are called non-communicable diseases, which means they aren’t spread from person to person
Oral health through life
Looking after your mouth is important at every age — from babies to older adults. Good oral health helps you stay well throughout your life.
Page last reviewed: 29 July, 2025