Oral Health
National Smile Month is the largest and longest running campaign to promote good oral health and an opportunity to help people realise the true worth of their smile.
It highlights three key messages, all of which go a long way in helping us develop and maintain a healthy mouth. They are:
- Brush your teeth last thing at night and on at least one other occasion with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Cut down on the amount and frequency of sugary food and drinks.
- Visit your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend.
Evidence has shown that 1 in 4 five-year-old’s have experienced tooth decay, which can result in an average of 3 school days missed due to dental problems. It also creates a poor start in life, affecting their development, speech, nutrition, self-esteem and creates dental phobias.
Early intervention is key to preventing oral health inequalities in children.
Have you tried the Brush Bus song to encourage your child to brush their teeth for the correct amount of time? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjnAv-6LsWA