Celebrating National Smile Month 2018
If you’ve been anywhere near a dental practice, school or community centre recently you may have noticed a big red smiley and wondered what it’s all about. If you didn’t already know, the now iconic smiley is used by the Oral Health Foundation to promote a very important annual event – National Smile Month. It is now in it’s 41st year. So what exactly is National Smile Month and why does it matter? Read on to find out all you need to know.
What is National Smile Month?
Organised by UK oral health charity The Oral Health Foundation, National Smile Month is celebrated annually from 14th May to 14th June. the objective of the campaign is to raise awareness of important health issues and make a positive difference to the oral health of millions.
Working alongside dentists, dental practices and healthcare professionals throughout the UK, National Smile Month is about engaging communities and emphasising three key messages. Together, these can go a long way in helping us develop and maintain a healthy mouth. These are:
- Brush your teeth last thing at night and on at least one other occasion with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Reduce the amount of sugary foods and drinks you consume
- Get regular dental checkups – as often as your dentist recommends.
The aim of this year’s campaign is to encourage adults and children across the UK to follow these simple daily steps to improve their oral health for the long term. And more importantly, to have fun doing it.
Ultimately, the aim is to educate, motivate and communicate positive oral health messages and improve the quality of smiles all around the UK.
Who is National Smile Month for?
National Smile Month is for anybody who is passionate about health and wellbeing, keen to raise awareness of important health issues, and ultimately, ready to help make a positive difference to the oral health of millions of people throughout the UK.
In particular, National Smile Month aims to boost awareness for parents and families as well as those working directly with children, to help ensure that children get their teeth off to the best possible start.
What is the Oral Health Foundation?
Formed in 1971, the Oral Health Foundation is an independent UK charity whose core principle is to promote the preventive message that ‘Teeth are for Life’ as widely as possible to the public with the aim of improving the overall oral health of everyone.
Established over 40 years ago, the foundation provides expert, independent and impartial advice on all aspects of oral health directly to those who need it most.
The organisation works closely with UK and European governments, dental and health professionals, manufacturers, the dental trade, national and local agencies and the public, to achieve its mission of addressing the inequalities which exist in oral health, changing people’s lives for the better.
How can I help to support National Smile Month?
If you haven’t taken your children to the dentist or hygienist for a while, or indeed been yourself, then what better time to book an appointment? Regular dental visits are an essential part of good tooth care from an early age, but it can be hard to keep regular appointments in this busy and demanding world.
As well as making sure everything is in order, your dentist or hygienist will be able to give you all the advice and tips you need to make sure you and your children have happy, healthy and lasting smiles.
To book an appointment with the friendly and professional team at Bridge Dental & Implant Clinic in Derby, call now on 01332 916351 or click here to contact us online.
Posted by Bridge Dental and Implant Clinic on 14th June 2018, under Dental health