Lift the Lip (Mouth Check) for Health Visiting Teams

The Mini Mouth Care Matters mouth check is a simple, practical tool designed to support health visiting teamsin conducting a routine visual check of a child's or young person's mouth. Developed as part of the Mini Mouth Care Matters programme, it can be completed quickly and confidently as part of everyday practice, without the need for specialist dental training.

Using a clear traffic light system, the tool guides the assessor through two key areas: the gums and the teeth. For each area, findings are recorded as green, amber or red, based on straightforward visual descriptors. Green indicates healthy gums and clean teeth with little or no plaque. Amber suggests early signs of concern, such as some bleeding or inflammation of the gums, mild plaque or discolouration. Red flags more urgent findings, including swelling of the face or gums, or decayed and broken teeth.

Each outcome is linked directly to a recommended next step. Green findings prompt universal oral health advice. Amber findings prompt universal advice alongside booking a routine dental check-up. Red findings require universal advice and an urgent dental referral.

The tool includes space to record the child's details, the assessor's name and job title, any additional notes or history, and the date of the next mouth check, supporting continuity of care and clear documentation.

By embedding this simple check into routine practice, health visiting teams can play a vital role in early identification of dental problems, reducing health inequalities and improving oral health outcomes for children and young people.