Get Ready for National Smile Month

National Smile Month kicks off on May 15th and organisations and individuals throughout the UK will be sharing information on achieving the great oral health that gives you a confident smile. The campaign's organised by the Oral Health Foundation and it’s a great way to get everyone thinking about ways to improve their oral health.

The History of the Campaign

National Smile Month began in a campaign launched in 1977. Back then, dental practices didn't give out much preventative advice. Because of this, the nation’s teeth and gums were in a terrible state in the 1970s – in Wales at that time, 37% of adults had no natural teeth! Smile ’77 (the precursor to National Smile Week which eventually evolved into national Smile Month) set out to change all that by advising people on the three main steps to maintaining oral health. 

The Tragedy of Tooth Loss

The two main afflictions that can lead to tooth loss are dental caries and periodontal disease. Dental caries is the tooth decay that presents as cavities in the outer enamel and inner parts of the tooth. Periodontal disease is an umbrella term for a range of issues that can affect the gums. If your gums are swollen, discoloured or painful, then you may have periodontal problems. Left untreated, teeth can fall out because of tooth decay or gum disease. Both of these afflictions can be prevented by a good oral health routine.   

Three Steps to a Healthier Smile

National Smile Month's focus is always reminding people of the three most important things you can do to maintain your oral health.

• Brush your teeth: The current recommendation is that you should brush with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day: last thing at night and at least one other time during the day. 
  
• Reduce sugary foods and drinks: Long before sugar was linked to obesity, we dentists knew it was bad for you. Sugar's the main contributor to tooth decay. Bacteria in the mouth feast on the sugars and excrete acid that is damaging to tooth enamel.
  
• Visit your dentist: Regular visits to the dentist will enable them to keep an eye on the health of your teeth and gums.
  

The Success of National Smile Month

National Smile Month's been an amazing success here in the UK. Over 1000 events are expected to be held around the country, this year, and the idea has spread to the United States, Ireland and the United Arab Emirates. 

Faith certainly qualifies for National Smile Month - watch her video as she explains what it's like now for her to be the owner of a confident smile.

The simple message of improving oral health is one that we thoroughly endorse here at Norfolk Dental Specialists. We want our patients to have healthy teeth and gums and a confident smile all year round. If you would like more information on maintaining a healthy smile, our team of dental hygienists will be happy to help.

Check out our Facebook page for ten things that will make you smile.

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