‘A smile is curve that sets everything straight’
Winter has released its icy grips and May has brought us blooming flowers, warmth and sights of blue skies. These are great reasons to smile. It just so happens that May is also National Smile Month.
National Smile Month is the UK’s largest, committed and devoted oral health campaign. The campaign begins on May 20th and concludes on June 20th.
This year National Smile Month has joined forces with Wrigley, Oral-B and Listerine. Their ultimate aim is get everyone smiling, with their open-handed and generous support.
‘Peace begins with a smile’
It is a chance for us to discover and find out more about our oral health. National Smile Month aims to help us understand why oral health is essential to our overall health, heart and happiness.
Oral health improvement stimulates an overall wellbeing. National Smile Month boosts this concept with its three main messages:
- Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste.
- Cut down on how often you have sugary food and drinks.
- Visit the dentist regularly, as often as they recommend.
These ideas might sound familiar and straightforward. We learnt this all at school right? Well, evidence demonstrates however, that many individuals do not stick to these three essential concepts. National Smile Month represents a reminder to revert back to these basic steps in oral health which many may have forgotten or disregarded. It is also an opportunity for others to create and share awareness.
‘What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity.’
The British Dental Health Foundation launched National Smile Month in 1976. This year they will celebrate the 37th birthday of the campaign. The British Dental Health Foundation prides itself on the success of the annual promotion. It has helped transform oral health across the United Kingdom. The facts are in the figures:
The proportion of the population with no natural teeth in the UK fell to just 6% in 2009. In 1978, Wales had a figure of 37%.
- 71% of adults in the UK now are free from visible dental decay.
- In 2009 66.6 % of children aged 12 were free from visible dental decay. In 1973, this figure was less than 10%.
National Smile Month also alerts us to the reasons why oral health problems continue to be an issue. Research has shown that:
- More than a third of adults are likely to delay dental treatment due to cost.
- More than half of the UK workforce isn’t allow to take paid leave off work to visit the dentist.
- 60% of people aged 65 and over regret not looking after their teeth.
How can you take part in National Smile Month?
There are many, influential and wonderful ways to get involved with National Smile Month. The National Smile Month campaign suggests applying for some free Smileys. Several are being given away by National Smile Month on a first come first served basis. However, they are still available to buy at just £1.65 for a pack of 10.
Another idea put forward by National Smile Month is to set up sponsored Brushathons or other teeth brushing fun and active challenges!
There are opportunities to work in local schools, hit the highstreet with exhibition stands and approaching the public, open days at dental practices displaying equipment, terminology and information or conducting charity raffles. The possibilities are endless!
National Smile Month are selling a widespread, assortment of products which can help you with your exciting endeavours. They can be found on the online shop of the National Smile Month Website.
‘All people smile in the same language.’
So DNNs seeing as it is National Smile Month, try to smile at everyone you see today as we prepared and anticipate the activities that will commence later this month!
For more information visit the National Smile Month website HERE.