National Smile Month 2023

National Smile Month is between 15th May and 15th June 2023, and we’re celebrating the power of brushing. This month-long event is all about raising awareness of the importance of good oral health, and how we can all take small steps to achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.

What is this year’s National Smile Month all about?

This year’s theme is ‘Brush for better health’. Twice-daily toothbrushing is the foundation of good oral health. It helps to remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Despite the numerous benefits of toothbrushing, many of us still do not prioritise it in our daily routine.

In fact, studies show that around one-in-three people in the UK do not brush twice a day, while one-in-four regularly skip brushing altogether. These poor tooth brushing habits have led to two-in-three UK adults having visible plaque, almost one-in-three suffering from signs of tooth decay, and three-in-four having had teeth extracted.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. By encouraging more people to brush twice daily and teaching them how to brush effectively, we can help them form healthier habits and improve their quality of life. A healthy mouth leads to a happier, more confident smile.

The Great British Brushathon

Today is Monday 15th of May, which means it is The Great British Brushathon. This will connect people from all around the world in one giant communal brushing event.

All you must do is take a selfie whilst brushing your teeth and post it to social media. Alternatively, if you want to get a bit more creative you can film a video of yourself brushing. If you live with any family or friends, get them to join you too.

It’s that easy.

By sharing your brushing selfie (or video) and encouraging others to do the same, you can help promote the value of brushing your teeth and having a healthy smile.

Our top three brushing tips

• Only use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, it’s all your teeth need, and it avoids too much mess.
• Don’t press your toothbrush flatly against your teeth, ideally you should brush towards your gum line at a 45 degree angle for the best clean.
• Spit, don’t rinse! It might be tempting to rinse out your mouth after brushing, however if you spit instead it allows the fluoride from your toothpaste to protect your teeth throughout the day!

The weekly themes for National Smile Month

Week one – The mouth

Learn about the changes our mouths go through from cradle to grave.

Week two – The daily routine

What a daily oral health routine should look like. What people can do alongside tooth brushing.

Week three – Systemic diseases

Oral health is linked to a range of conditions around the body and mind.

Week four – The environment

How toothbrushes and other oral health products are made, transported and recycled.

Week five – Technology

How technology for electric toothbrushes and other oral care products, mobile apps and education has improved oral health.

Remember, your mouth is one of your greatest assets. It helps you to communicate, eat, drink, and breathe, and gives you the confidence to face the world. So let’s celebrate National Smile Month by giving our smiles the care they deserve.

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