From 15th May to 15th June the British Oral Health Foundation celebrates the 41st annual National Smile Month and so are we!
As with 543’s own Oral Health Month, the purpose of this campaign is to promote good dental hygiene. Three essential messages are highlighted:
- Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste
- Reduce your consumption of sugary food and drinks
- Visit your dentist regularly, as recommended
We’ve also put together 15 tips to make your smile the healthiest and brightest it can be!
- Brushing only cleans 40% of your tooth surfaces, remember to clean in between your teeth at least once a day using floss or interdental brushes.
- Don’t use mouthwash straight after brushing as this will rinse away the fluoride from your toothpaste.
- Change your toothbrush at least every three months!
- Smoking presents lots of risks to your oral health, including tooth staining, gum disease, tooth loss, and in more severe cases mouth cancer. Give up smoking!
- Did you know we offer home visits for housebound patients? If you are a carer; or have a loved one who would benefit from having dental check-ups at home, please contact the surgery.
- 1 in 5 people believe fluoride to be a marketing gimmick! Did you know that fluoride is scientifically proven to reduce dental decay by at least 40%!
- Get involved in National Smile Month! Use the hashtag #MySmileySelfie and let us know the things that make you smile!
- A smile is one of the first things we notice about another person. It’s never too late to brighten your smile – every day is another chance to make a first impression!
- This National Smile Month, why not take part in the Two Minute Challenge? Perfect for schools, colleges, workplaces and community groups (anywhere there are working groups of people.) Take two minutes out of the day to collectively brush your teeth. It’s so simple to organise and is a great reminder about the importance of brushing for a full two minutes… it’s also great fun too!
- One in four adults admit they don’t brush their teeth twice a day, and at least 1 in ten admit to regularly forgetting to brush at all! Don’t be one of them!
- If you’re not brushing twice daily, we’re 33% more likely to see you for treatment! Brushing only once a day means you’re 33% more likely to develop tooth decay.
- The cost of a toothbrush and toothpaste from a high street supermarket is only around £1.80, whereas the consequences of ignoring your oral health can lead to unnecessary, invasive and expensive treatment.
- Did you know….? Poor oral health can also be a factor in heart disease, strokes, diabetes and even respiratory (lung) disease. People with gum disease are also almost twice as likely to have coronary artery disease as people without gum disease.
- A recent study has shown that people who stay fit and healthy are 40% less likely to develop tooth-threatening gum infections that could lead to gum disease. The study found that not exercising, not keeping to a normal body weight and unhealthy eating habits made a person much more likely to get advanced gum disease.
- Visit your dentist or hygienist if you have any of the symptoms of gum disease. These can include: inflammation of the gums, causing them to be red, swollen and to bleed easily, especially when brushing, an unpleasant taste in your mouth, bad breath, loose teeth and regular mouth infections. Call us today to make an appointment or book online.
