National Smile Month

National Smile Month is the UK’s largest and longest running campaign to promote good oral health. Good oral health can help to improve your visual appearance, the positivity of your mind set and the health of not only your teeth and gums but your body too!

Therefore, the team at The Oral Health Foundation have put together some top tips to help keep you smiling throughout National Smile Month.

Caring for your mouth

• Brush your teeth last thing at night and at least one other time during the day with a fluoride toothpaste, fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel making it more resistant to decay.
• Clean in between your teeth at least once a day using interdental brushes or floss.
• Quit smoking to help reduce the chances of tooth staining, gum disease, tooth loss, and in more severe cases mouth cancer.
• Change your toothbrush every two to three months or sooner if it becomes worn to ensure that you are brushing effectively.

Visiting the dentist

• Visit your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend.
• If you are nervous about visiting the dentist, make sure they are aware of why so they can improve your treatment.
• Visiting a dental hygienist can help give you excellent tips and advice on preventing dental problems.

Diet and your oral health

• Wait an hour after eating or drinking anything before brushing as this gives the enamel a chance to re-harden.
• A varied diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fresh fruit and vegetables can help to prevent gum disease.
• Avoid snacking and try to only have sugary foods and drinks at mealtimes, reducing the time your teeth come under attack.

Children’s oral health

• All children up to three years old, should use a smear of toothpaste with a fluoride level of no less than 1000ppm (parts per million). After three years old, they should use a toothpaste that contains 1350ppm -1500ppm.
• Take your child to the dentist early, as soon as their teeth start to appear, this will help them get used to the sights, sounds and smells of a dental practice.
• Use a timer or brush a long to a song to ensure your children are brushing for the correct amount of time.
• Use a reward chart to track your children’s brushing habits and get them actively involved in brushing their teeth.
• Use disclosing tablets to show areas of your children’s mouth which may need better brushing.

If you would like more information on caring for your smile, call Benfleet Dental Centre on 01702 557766 and book in for consultation.