National Smile Month 2019 takes place from the 13th May to the 13th June. This campaign is all about promoting good oral health and highlighting the key messages that go a long way in helping people to develop and maintain healthy teeth, gums and mouth.
The simple messages are as follows:
- Brush your teeth last thing at night and on at least one other occasion, using a fluoride toothpaste. Aim to brush your teeth after meals if possible, but remember, if you have eaten something acidic, you should wait at least 30 minutes after eating as brushing too soon could cause damage to the enamel of your teeth whilst it is in a weakened state.
- Cut down on how much sugary food and drink you consume, and how often you consume it. When you do have sugary or acidic foods or drinks, aim to stick to meal times. Remember, fruit does contain acids and dried fruits can be high in sugar, so if you do eat fruit as a snack, aim to eat something alkaline afterwards, for example, cheese, raw vegetables or nuts.
- Visit your dentist regularly. It’s important to visit your dentist at least as often as they recommend, to help you to stay on top of your oral health and to catch any potential oral health problems early.
By improving your oral health, you can also stand to improve your physical and mental wellbeing. Having a smile that you are proud of can help you to feel more confident and more comfortable in your own skin.
Encouraging good oral health habits early
Last year, it was found that 31% of 5-year-old children and 46% of 8-year-old children in the UK have obvious tooth decay in their baby teeth. A further shocking statistic is that 35% of 12-year olds are too embarrassed to smile or laugh as a result of missing teeth or tooth decay.
These dental health issues come down to a number of different factors, including diet and poor oral health care habits. Not only can poor oral health lead to several different health problems as children get older, but the damage it can do to their self-esteem can be very serious. The good news is, in most cases, dental health issues can be prevented with the right support. This is why campaigns such as National Smile Month are so important.
By promoting simple oral health care messages to children from a young age, they stand a much better chance of developing excellent oral health habits.
Book a dental check-up today
At Riverside Dental Spa, we are committed to promoting good oral healthcare and helping you keep your teeth for life. To arrange a routine dental examination with our highly experienced team of dentists, please call us on 020 7091 0677 or request a consultation online.
