National Smile Month!
National Smile Month 2022 is all about highlighting inequalities within oral health.
Millions of people every year are affected by oral health problems and oral health inequalities can lead to a higher risk of:
Oral diseases such as tooth decay and gum disease.
Tooth loss and tooth extractions.
Mouth cancer.
Dental phobias and anxiety.
During National Smile Month, we all need to support and help others to achieve a healthier life through better oral health. The month is split in to four weeks with four different topics.
Week 1: The life of a smile
These 6 simple steps below are essential for good oral health and a perfect smile. It should take no longer than six minutes!
Brush your teeth last thing at night and at one other time during the day.
Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste and after brushing spit and don't rinse.
Brush your tongue.
Clean in between your teeth everyday with inter-dental brushes or floss.
Use a mouthwash every day.
Cut down how much and how often you have sugar.
Week 2: A healthy mouth is affordable
Maintaining a good daily oral health routine keeps your teeth healthy and often lowers the need for expensive treatment like fillings or tooth extractions. Attending regular dental appointments (exam and hygiene) will actually save you a lot of money in the long run as these appointments can spot any problems early.
You could consider joining our dental plan which is a monthly payments for your exam and hygiene and is affordable as the cost is spread monthly.
Week 3: Nutrition
A good diet is very important for your body and also your oral health. Sugar causes the most damage to your teeth as it causes tooth decay and over time it can lead to fillings or even having teeth extracted. It is recommended you eat three meals a day instead of snacking through the day and limit sugary snacks and drinks to mealtimes.
Week 4: Oral Health around the UK
The Oral Health Foundation did some research and it showed that certain areas in the UK have different oral health routines.
People in the North East are best in the UK at brushing their teeth twice a day (73%), while people from Scotland are worst (62%).
Those from London claim to use mouthwash (61%), dental floss (45%) and sugar free chewing gum (25%) regularly – more than anywhere else in the UK.
People in Northern Ireland are least likely to regularly use mouthwash (46%), dental floss (26%) and sugar free chewing gum (3%).
Those from London are more likely to own an electric toothbrush (62%), compared to the rest of the UK.
No matter where you live, do your best to cover the basics of looking after your oral health.
Week 5: Mouth Mind and Body
Infections in the mouth can be linked with problems in other parts of the body as well.
Diseases and conditions which may be caused or made worse by poor oral health include:
Heart disease.
Strokes.
Diabetes.
Giving birth to a premature or low-birth-weight baby.
Respiratory (lung) disease.
Dementia.
Most people that have poor gum health and severe gum disease have the above problems.
Brushing your teeth, using inter dental brushes and attending regular hygiene appointment (teeth cleaning) is one of the most effective ways to prevent gum disease and keep a healthy mouth,
We offer exams and hygiene appointments for both adults and children at Best Health Clinics, as well as deep cleaning for periodontal disease. For more information click here and if you would like to book in please call us on 01708 477 577 or email info@bhclinics.com
