Celebrating National Smile Month

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Oral Health Foundation’s charity, National Smile Month. The campaign, which launched on the 16th May and runs until 16th June aims to increase awareness of oral health and make a significant difference to the well-being of millions of people.

The charity has partnered up with Mercy Ships, an international charity which uses a hospital ship to deliver free health care and education to the world’s forgotten poor. 

To celebrate National Smile Month, we’re promoting oral health with our top 5 tips to help keep your teeth fresh and healthy.

1. Book regular check-ups

Visiting your dentist at least every 6months significantly reduces the chance of developing oral disease. Dentists and hygienists will be able to recommend and provide you with invaluable advice on brushing your teeth, and will be able to spot any signs of tooth decay and look for signs of oral cancer. Routine check-ups are not only quick and easy, but also a potential life saver. 

2. Brush your teeth twice a day

Keeping your teeth clean is vital for healthy teeth and gums. Use a fluoride based toothpaste to help strengthen your enamel and reduce tooth decay. Studies have found brushing your teeth soon after eating could put you at risk of damaging vital enamel on your teeth, so try to avoid cleaning your teeth for at least 30 minutes after eating. 

3. Brush your teeth for 2 minutes

How long do you really spend brushing your teeth? According to a survey by the British Dental Health Foundation the average person will only clean their teeth for 45 seconds. Spend at least 2 minutes cleaning your teeth, ensuring you reach all the tricky areas, including gums - and don’t forget your tongue!

4. Reduce your intake of sugary food and drink

Drinking and eating high amounts of sugar can cause major issues with tooth decay. Bacteria feed off sugars and this causes them to release acids which weaken your enamel and increase the risk of cavities. Try to avoid fizzy drinks and sugary sweets and snacks and opt for water, milk and foods free of sugar. 

5. Look after your toothbrush

Take care of your toothbrush and make sure you replace every 3 to 4 months. Ensure you store your toothbrush in a clean and dry environment, allowing the bristles to dry naturally to avoid any moisture which could potentially breed harmful bacteria.  

We hope you have these tips useful, if you would like to find out more about how we can help you or book an appointment, please contact us!