Looking after your eyes and teeth
Part of growing up and becoming independent is learning to look after your own body.
Parents are responsible for keeping children healthy. Adults take care of themselves. Young people share responsibility for their own health with their parents.
Learning how to keep all of you healthy, fit and well is a crucial part of becoming a healthy, happy adult. Looking after eyes and teeth is an important part of this.
Quiz: How healthy are you? Find out with the Teen Life Check
The basics
There are lots of ways you can improve your health, like eating well, getting exercise, and having enough sleep.
But if you have a problem with your health that won't go away, you need to see a Doctor.
Teeth
Teeth should be kept clean, and brushed daily. You should have regular check-ups with a dentist to make sure you have no problems like cavities or gum disease. Neglecting your teeth can lead to:
- Tooth decay and gum disease
- Losing teeth
- Increased risk of serious health problems
People under 16 and those under 19 in full-time education are entitled to free checks and treatment for teeth.
If you don't have a dentist already, or have moved away from home, you may need a new Dentist. You can get the name of dentists near you by calling NHS Direct 0845 4647 or by using the NHS Service Finder.
You can access emergency dental treatment from the Oxfordshire out of hours service, but most dental treatment will be with your regular dentist.
Eyes
Eyesight can change at any time during a person's life. If you are having problems seeing, or are having other problems with your eyes, or persistent headaches, especially after reading or using a computer, you should visit an optician. An optician (also called an ophthalmic optician or optometrist) will:
- Check if you need glasses
- Check for signs of eye disease or problems
- Dispense glasses if you need them.
People under 16 and those under 19 in full-time education are entitled to free eye checks. Because people can adjust to small problems with their vision, it is a good idea to have an eye test every two years. This means that small problems can be corrected early.
You can get the name of opticians near you by calling NHS Direct 0845 4647 or by using the NHS Service Finder.
Contraception and Sexual Health
Looking after yourself includes looking after your sexual and reproductive health. This might include checking for STIs, being fitted for long-term reversible contraception or sorting out painful periods. Find out more:
Drop-in Services
Want to know more about looking after your health, but not sick enough to go to your GP? There are lots of local health drop-ins for young people in Oxfordshire:
- Bodyzone health drop-ins for young people in rural areas
- SHADE health advice line and drop-ins in Oxford and Banbury
Something missing? Let us know.
Share your stories
We're looking for your stories. What are your tips for staying fit and healthy? How did you get along when you accessed different kinds of health service? Have you helped deliver health services, raise awareness or educate your peers?
Whatever health stories you have, we'd love to hear them, so email and let us know
Links
These websites will help you find health advice and services:
- NHS Direct
Health advice and information 24 hours a day, 365 days a year - Teenage Health Freak
Teen health worries answered by the teenage health freak, plus Dr Ann's virtual surgery - Teen Life Check
How healthy are you? Check with the NHS online lifecheck tool
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