From 11th May to 11th June, the UK’s biggest oral health campaign, National Smile Month, will officially turn 50.
To mark this landmark anniversary, this year’s theme has been announced as ‘50 Years of Smiles’. This means 50 years of raising awareness, educating people, and encouraging us all to care for our oral health in the right ways.
A happy smile starts with a healthy mouth, so join us in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Smile Month with these healthy habits for a lifetime of smiles.
1. Avoid The Wrong Foods
Last year it was revealed by the Oral Health Foundation that just 1-in-6 UK adults consider how their food choices affect their oral health, and that just 1-in-5 of us check how much sugar is in our food.
It’s time to make a change this National Smile Month, so keep an eye out for these foods and drinks that will harm your teeth more than you think:
- Refined Carbohydrates: White bread, pasta, and rice all break down into sugars in the mouth.
- Protein Drinks: They are often high in added sugars.
- Added Salt: Salt will dry out your mouth and reduce saliva production.
- Citrus Fruits: These acidic fruits will wear away enamel, whilst dried fruits are high in sugar.
- Sugary Snacks: Sticky and chewy sweets are the biggest culprits of cavities.
Finally, make it a habit to check the traffic light labels on packages to stick to the recommended daily intake of sugar, salt, and fat.
2. Choose the Right Foods
What we eat is just as important as what we DON’T eat. Whilst you might already be avoiding hidden sugars and damaging acids, there are still plenty of tooth-friendly foods that you should include in your daily diet.
From vitamins that protect your teeth to minerals that reduce inflammation in the gums, here are the smart food choices that will protect your oral health:
- Fruit and Vegetables: Especially crunchy ones that are rich in Vitamin A, C, and D.
- Whole Grains: Choose complex carbohydrates over starchy refined ones.
- Lean Proteins: Packed with Vitamin D and Omega-3.
- Dairy Products: A great source of calcium and phosphorus, if you go for those without any added sugar.
- Water: Aim for 8 glasses of water per day for optimal hydration and saliva production.
Include more of these foods on your shopping list and see for yourself the difference they can make to your smile.
3. Stick To Your Oral Health Routine
Brushing your teeth twice a day - first thing in the morning and last thing before bed - is one of the fundamentals of oral health care.
It is also the first step in a daily hygiene routine that will keep your smile strong and healthy for life:
- Scrape Your Tongue: Start off by using a tongue scraper to remove any buildup.
- Brush For 2 Minutes: Do so with a fluoride toothpaste, or a formula recommended by your dentist e.g. toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
- Include The Gums: Take care to brush the gumline and tongue, as well as the teeth.
- Use Floss: Use interdental brushes or floss to clean in between the teeth. They can also be used before brushing and after mealtimes to dislodge any trapped food.
- Swirl With Mouthwash: Finish off with mouthwash to reach the areas that brushes and floss can’t.
Good habits are built up over a lifetime, so take National Smile Month as the opportunity to establish a routine that you can stick to.
4. Watch Out For Warning Signs
The more you know about the indicators of oral health issues, the easier it will be to spot them early.
Get to know your mouth this National Smile Month, and keep an eye out for these warning signs of common problems:
- Bleeding Gums: If your gums bleed, or become sore and swollen during brushing, then this may be an early sign of gum disease.
- Receding Gums: Shrinking or receding gums must be addressed before they expose the roots, as gums cannot grow back.
- Bad Breath: Persistent bad breath (the kind that does not shift with a mint!) can be a symptom of many underlying issues.
- Patches: Red or white patches on the inside of the mouth, as well as ulcers that don’t heal within 3 weeks, may be signs of something serious.
- Lumps: Lumps, bumps, and hard swellings should all be examined by a member of our team as soon as possible.
It’s also important to pay attention to any sensitivity or pain that does not feel right, and remember to reach out to our team for advice and support at any time.
5. Book An Appointment Today
For almost 20 years, the Riverside Dental Spa team has been supporting healthy smiles with affordable, expert care right here in the heart of Vauxhall.
Whether it’s for a routine checkup, a one-off appointment, or a no-obligation consultation, why not mark the 50th Smile Month with a visit to our practice? We promise you:
- A Warm Welcome: We are happy to accommodate all our patients in their own language, including English, Portuguese, Spanish, Bulgarian, Russian, Hindi, Gujarati and Marathi.
- Leading Expertise: Our team of dentists, dental nurses, and hygienists are all respected in their fields and members of the relevant dental organisations.
- Specialist Care: We provide emergency, cosmetic, and specialist treatments to restore, protect, and improve your smile.
- Interest-Free Finance: A no deposit, 0% finance facility is available to spread the cost of your treatment across 12 months.
- Dental Plans: Unlock priority appointments and discounts at affordable monthly prices with our 2 Membership Plans.
Find out all about our team and practice today, or schedule an appointment in just a few minutes to give your smile the care it deserves.
National Smile Month at Riverside Dental Spa
It’s never too late - or too early - to make the right decision for your oral health.
Join us as a patient today and let’s keep you and your family smiling for the next 50 years!
